Frey, aged just 21, is still at a very good age meaning he still has a vast amount of time to improve his game and reach his potential. Just last summer he was branded as "one of European football's rising stars" by the Daily Star. Dougie Freedman has always stated his enthusiasm to work with younger players and help them develop into better footballers. This gives me every hope that he can help turn Frey into a better player than he already is and help him reach his potential. Everyone likes to see younger players playing for their team and at Forest it is no different. It is much better to sign players who are developing than ones who are already past their best. This is why I think Forest fans should be excited about this potential signing as he really could end up playing the highest level of football. At a younger age players are also more willing to learn from their managers, meaning it will be easier for Freedman to get him comfortable playing his style of football.
Michael Frey celebrates scoring for Lille OSC last season after joining in the summer of 2014 from BSC Young Boys.
Another good feature of the 21 years old is that he is 6ft 2in. This could be a very useful commodity to Forest in the upcoming season considering Dexter Blackstock is really the only other target man option available to Dougie Freedman. Forest's other strikers Britt Assombalonga, Matty Fryatt and Tyler Walker lack this sort of height and aerial threat. This sort of attribute can be very useful in scrappy tight away games where Forest often fall short. However, Dougie will not be just planning to 'hoof it up' to Frey as many fans may presume. Frey is also a very mobile player who will be able to get around the pitch which at the age of 21 you'd expect.
Although some fans have already stated their concerns on Twitter, Frey's goal-scoring record isn't all too bad. He made 73 appearances for BSC Young Boys between 2012 and 2014 scoring 17 goals. This is what caught the attention of Lille OSC who paid in the region of €3 million last summer, signing a four-year contract. He then went on to score 2 goals in 15 games for the Ligue 1 outfit last campaign. It is therefore no surprise that the player is said to be quite surprised at his availability. However, Forest appear to be the club now able to profit from it. Forest need a striker who can score goals on a regular basis to compensate for the loss of star striker Britt Assombalonga until January and Frey looks like he would be up to the task.
Michael Frey finds the back of the net for Lille OSC during their 1-1 draw with AS Saint-Etienne last season.
His ability is also proven by the fact he was on the brink of a huge transfer to the Premier League just last summer before he joined Lille OSC. Brendan Rodgers was said to be very interested in the player last summer and was pondering a £5 million for the Swiss Under-21 international. There was also said to be competition for his signature from Juventus and also Borussia Mochengladbach. To be linked with the likes of these sort of clubs he must have a great deal of ability. Switzerland rate him as their "most exciting prospect for years".
Everything in regards to contract negotiations seems to be going very well so far with Frey showing a great attitude to manager Dougie Freedman. Dougie and the club have now done everything in their power to make this move happen and it is now up to the player to decide his fate. We now all have to hope he signs on the dotted line as this player could really change our season. Thanks for reading, Come On You Reds!
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