Matz Sels chooses Forest over Club Brugge, signs until 2028

Belgian goalkeeper Matz Sels has confirmed he will remain at Nottingham Forest, signing a new contract that runs until 30 June 2028, after turning down a reported move to Club Brugge, who were seeking an experienced replacement for Simon Mignolet.

The 34‑year‑old former Belgium international earned 13 caps and was under contract until 30 June 2027 before the latest extension. His decision comes as Club Brugge continued to search for a seasoned goalkeeper.

Club Brugge had also listed Inter Milan’s Yann Sommer as a target, after the Swiss keeper’s departure from the Italian club, but neither Sommer nor Sels will join the Belgian side.

Nottingham Forest announced the extension on Thursday, alongside confirming an agreement with Manchester City for the transfer of Elliot Anderson and confirming that Vitor Pereira has left his position as head coach.

The English club finished 16th last season, five points clear of the relegation zone, and suffered a 4‑0 defeat to Aston Villa in the Europa League semi‑final.

Sels arrived in February 2024 from Strasbourg for a fee of €6.5 million and has already made 96 official appearances for Forest.

Although he could have pursued trophies with Club Brugge, his last silverware came with Strasbourg’s Coupe de la Ligue win in 2018‑19, and he chose to stay in the league described as the best in the world rather than return to the Belgian Pro League.

With his contract now running to 2028, Forest will rely on Sels as their first‑choice goalkeeper for the coming seasons.