Andrew Omobamidele has officially ended his time at Nottingham Forest, completing a permanent switch to French side RC Strasbourg after a loan spell convinced the club to trigger the purchase clause in his contract.
The 22‑year‑old centre‑back, who joined Nottingham from Norwich City in September 2023 for approximately €13 million, struggled to secure a regular place in the English side.
He made just 15 appearances across all competitions before being loaned to Strasbourg in January 2025, in search of more consistent game time.
Omobamidele’s impact in Ligue 1 was immediate. He featured in 11 matches, quickly establishing himself as a reliable presence in Strasbourg’s defensive setup under manager Liam Rosenior.
His composed performances, aerial prowess, and tactical intelligence prompted the club’s hierarchy—backed by majority owners BlueCo, known for their investment in Chelsea—to activate the option to buy.
In a joint announcement, Nottingham Forest expressed their gratitude towards Omobamidele, stating: “Everyone at Nottingham Forest wishes Andrew the best of luck for the future and thanks him for his contribution during his time at the Club.”
Omobamidele emerged through the youth ranks at Norwich City and made his senior debut in the Premier League before becoming a regular in the Championship.
His displays attracted interest from top-flight clubs, culminating in the transfer to Forest. Despite his potential, stiff competition for central defensive positions meant he found minutes hard to come by in Nottingham’s Premier League campaign.
The move to Strasbourg has offered a timely fresh start. His integration into Rosenior’s back line brought immediate benefits: he helped reinforce the defence during a crucial period of the season, providing both composure and leadership on the field.
Strasbourg’s decision to sign Omobamidele is a statement of intent. The club have been keen to solidify their squad ahead of next season, aiming to build on their survival and mid-table improvement under Rosenior. By securing a young international defender with Premier League experience, they have added depth and quality to their roster.
For Omobamidele, the transfer represents both professional and personal growth. Regular starting opportunities in Ligue 1 will allow him to refine his defensive game, adapt to different tactical demands, and increase his visibility at the highest level of European football.
The move also positions him more favourably for international duty. A Republic of Ireland full‑back, Omobamidele had already earned senior caps, and establishing himself as a key player in France’s top flight could help strengthen his case for a regular role on the international stage.
With the French transfer window now open, Strasbourg are expected to formally introduce Omobamidele ahead of their pre‑season preparations. The defender looks set to become a fixture in Rosenior’s plans.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest will seek to replace the void left by Omobamidele in central defence. Forest’s management are likely to explore defensive signings this summer as they rebuild following another challenging Premier League season.
For the player himself, this permanent move signals a new chapter—one where he can build stability, enhance his skillset, and make a lasting impact in Ligue 1. Strasbourg, in turn, have secured a talented, ambitious player emerging at the nexus of defensive reliability and developmental promise.
