Nottingham Forest unhappy with on-loan Napoli man Lucca

Nottingham Forest have decided against triggering their option to permanently sign Lorenzo Lucca, according to reliable transfer journalist Nicolò Schira, confirming what his performances this season have long suggested was coming.

The Italian striker joined Forest on loan from Napoli in January, with the English club holding a purchase option worth €35 million.

That clause will not be exercised, with Schira reporting that Forest are simply not satisfied with what Lucca has produced since his arrival at the City Ground.

It is difficult to argue with that assessment.

Lucca expected back at Napoli this summer

The 25-year-old has managed just 120 minutes of Premier League football, started only once, and was hooked at half-time during a Europa League playoff leg against Fenerbahce, a performance that drew sharp criticism from supporters.

The goal he scored on his debut against Leeds briefly raised hopes of a turnaround, but it has proven to be an isolated moment in an otherwise underwhelming loan spell.

The news will concern Napoli considerably.

The club paid close to €40 million to sign Lucca from Udinese, where he had impressed with 12 goals in a single season, only for him to completely fail to establish himself under Antonio Conte.

His contract runs until 2030, meaning Napoli cannot simply move him on cheaply, yet finding a buyer willing to meet their valuation after two consecutive failed loan spells will be an increasingly difficult task.

Lucca will return to Naples at the end of the season with his market value significantly diminished and his future at the club deeply uncertain.