Nigel Jemson reckons that playing regular football could lead to Joao Carvalho finally loving up to the hype at Nottingham Forest, with the former Reds man even claiming that the Portuguese would be more suited to Premier League football.
Carvalho joined in a club-record fee three years ago, but he’s been unable to justify that fee – and scored just six goals in his first two seasons at the City Ground.
Having lost his place in the side towards the back end of the 2019-2020 campaign, the 24-year-old was loaned out to Spanish second division side Almeria.
And despite failing to score in 36 appearances in all competitions, Carvalho has returned to Forest and looks to be part of Chris Hughton’s plans moving forward.
He was an unused substitute against Coventry City on the opening-day but showed his true quality by netting both goals in the Carabao Cup first-round victory over Bradford City on Wednesday.
Carvalho has endured a difficult three years with Forest, but Jemson is confident that with a full pre-season behind him, his fortunes could soon be about to change.
He exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:
“I’m a big fan of his, I like him. I think he would do better in the Premier League than in the Championship.
“I hope that he came back to pre-season with an attitude to make people realise what a good player he is. If he’s playing regularly, I think he’s going to be a superb addition, I really do.”