
One year ago, few could have predicted the impact Matz Sels would have on Nottingham Forest. Signed for just £5m during a low-profile January transfer window in 2024, Sels has gone from being an overlooked signing to one of the Premier League’s standout performers.
The Belgian goalkeeper, once regarded as a misstep during his brief Newcastle stint, has proven his worth by leading Forest’s defense to remarkable heights.
From Relegation Battle to Champions League Contention
- 2024 Arrival: When Sels debuted in February 2024, Forest were third from bottom, embroiled in a relegation fight.
- Golden Glove Leader: Fast forward a year, Sels tops the Premier League’s Golden Glove race with nine clean sheets.
- Defensive Solidity: With strong center-backs like Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic ahead of him, Forest boasts the third-best defensive record in the league, conceding only 22 goals in 22 games.
Sels’ Redemption After Newcastle Struggles

Sels’ move to Forest marked his return to the Premier League after a challenging stint at Newcastle United in 2016. At just 22, he struggled to adapt but now reflects on how those difficulties shaped his career.
“Sometimes a bad experience makes you stronger,” Sels told BBC Sport. “Everyone in life has difficult periods—it’s how you cope with them.”
Key Stats Behind Sels’ Success
- Save Percentage: Sels boasts a league-leading 74.4% save rate among goalkeepers with more than seven games this season.
- Big Game Heroics: His standout performances, such as the 1-1 draw against Liverpool, have earned him praise and ensured Forest remains a top-four contender.
Forest’s New Ambitions
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo has downplayed talks of a Champions League spot or title challenge, but Sels admits that expectations have shifted.
“We cannot say anymore it’s about staying in the league,” he said. “We try to aim as high as possible. To speak about the title is out of context, but we want to achieve something great.”
Sels: A Leader On and Off the Pitch
Beyond his performances, Sels has embraced life in England, moving with his family and ensuring their well-being off the pitch. “If the family doesn’t feel well, at one moment it’s going to turn,” he explained.
His stability off the pitch has translated into exceptional form on it, helping Forest evolve from relegation survivors to genuine European contenders.
Can Forest maintain their remarkable rise? Follow our updates to stay in the loop as the Premier League season unfolds!