By Tichaona Katsvamutima
English Premier League giants Liverpool are preparing to open talks with teenage midfielder Trey Nyoni over a new contract after rejecting a £30 million offer from Nottingham Forest for the highly rated youngster.
The Premier League giants turned down Forest’s proposal worth £25 million upfront with a further £5 million in potential add-ons, as they remain determined to retain the 19-year-old and increase his involvement in the first team.
Nyoni has emerged as an important part of new Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola’s plans for the 2026/27 campaign, particularly following the departure of Curtis Jones to Inter Milan.
The teenager impressed during Liverpool’s pre-season programme and was reportedly considered one of the standout performers. His progress has convinced the club that he is ready for a more significant role rather than another loan spell.
Forest’s interest represented a significant valuation of a player who is still establishing himself at senior level, but Liverpool’s response underlined the importance they attach to Nyoni’s development.
Iraola has already spoken highly of the midfielder’s technical ability and composure in possession, while also highlighting improvements in his pressing and defensive work.
“Trey is very good on the ball — very calm, he reads the situations well,” Iraola said after Nyoni impressed during pre-season.
Speaking ahead of the first game of the season, the new head coach said: “I’m very happy with Trey. Very, very happy.
“He has been very good in pre-season. Not only in the games, even when he trains with us he’s facing top-level players and he’s at the level.
“So I have no doubts with Trey, he will be very valuable this season for us, hopefully plays a lot and gives the level that I’m seeing every day in training.”
Nyoni joined Liverpool from Leicester City’s academy in 2023 and has progressed rapidly through the club’s youth system into the senior squad. Liverpool officially handed him a long-term contract in June 2025 after his breakthrough appearances under then-manager Arne Slot.
He made his senior debut at just 16 and has since accumulated 21 competitive first-team appearances. His development has also seen him become an England youth international.
The midfielder made his latest appearance as a late substitute in Liverpool’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday, meaning he featured against the same club that subsequently attempted to sign him.
Liverpool’s decision to reject Forest’s approach is also significant because the club’s midfield options have been reduced by Jones’ move to Inter. Rather than cash in on Nyoni, Liverpool now appear intent on giving him the opportunity to establish himself as a regular first-team player.
The club is expected to begin discussions over an improved contract as recognition of his growing importance and to reflect his increased responsibilities at Anfield.
For Nyoni, the decision represents a major vote of confidence from Liverpool. A move to Forest could have offered immediate first-team opportunities, but remaining at Anfield gives the teenager the chance to develop under Iraola while competing for a more prominent role in one of the Premier League’s biggest squads.
