Nottingham Forest Andre Luiz transfer discussions have taken a familiar and controversial turn, with club owner Evangelos Marinakis once again at the centre of a blocked deal that has redirected a player within his ownership network.
According to Sport Witness, Forest-linked winger André Luiz appeared destined for Benfica after the Portuguese giants met the €15m asking price requested by Rio Ave. However, the move was abruptly shut down.
Nottingham Forest Andre Luiz transfer blocked by Marinakis
Brazilian journalist Raisa Simplicio reported that Benfica believed they had done enough to secure André Luiz after matching the valuation set earlier in negotiations. Yet once the proposal became official, Marinakis rejected it.
This sudden U-turn effectively shut Benfica out of the race, despite earlier encouragement from the selling side. It is a pattern that has followed several past deals involving the Greek businessman, leaving clubs frustrated after believing progress had been made.
Instead of moving to Lisbon, focus swiftly shifted to Olympiacos — another club under Marinakis’ control. Talks between Rio Ave and the Greek side were quickly agreed behind the scenes.
How Olympiacos became key in Nottingham Forest Andre Luiz transfer
With club-to-club discussions already in place, the remaining hurdle is the player’s agreement. One of André Luiz’s agents is reportedly in Greece holding talks with Olympiacos over personal terms.
While nothing has been signed yet, the structure of the deal carries the unmistakable signature of Marinakis — a rejected external bid followed by an internal solution within his multi-club ownership model.
This approach has previously raised eyebrows across Europe, particularly when high-profile clubs feel led down a path that suddenly closes.
Why Nottingham Forest could still benefit later
For Nottingham Forest supporters, this situation is worth monitoring closely. At just 23, André Luiz is widely viewed as a player with Premier League potential.
Should he impress in Greece, Forest could later revisit the situation under more favourable conditions. Marinakis has previously used Olympiacos as a development step before moving players into England.
That pathway may already have been quietly outlined to the winger, with the Premier League carrot clearly dangling.
Forest’s wider transfer picture
This latest development comes as Forest continue to manage their recruitment carefully, especially amid financial fair play constraints. The club are already linked with multiple attacking reinforcements, as seen in earlier reports involving Napoli targets.
You can read more on Forest’s recruitment strategy here: Nottingham Forest close to signing Napoli striker.
Another related story worth noting is the club’s previous FFP-linked dealings, which you can revisit here: Otávio Nottingham Forest transfer FFP update.
A classic Marinakis move
While nothing is officially completed, this already feels like a textbook Marinakis operation — control over the process, timing used as leverage, and a final solution that favours clubs within his empire.
For Benfica, it is a frustrating ending. For Olympiacos, an opportunity. And for Nottingham Forest, a situation that could quietly pay off in the future.
The Nottingham Forest Andre Luiz transfer may not be finished yet — but the path it has taken is unmistakably familiar.
