Nottingham Forest confirm the signing of Burnley goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey to rival Dean Henderson – as the Wales international signs a two-year deal at the City Ground
- Nottingham Forest complete signing of Burnley keeper Wayne Hennessey
- The 35-year-old Wales international will provide competition for Dean Henderson
- Forest needed strengthening in that department after Brice Samba left the club
- Hennessey has signed a two-year contract with the newly promoted first division team
Nottingham Forest have confirmed the signature Burnley Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey on a free transfer.
The 35-year-old Wales international has signed a two-year deal at the City Ground and will provide competition Dean Henderson who joined on loan Manchester United earlier this month.
Forest needed strengthening in that department after Brice Samba indicated he would not sign a new contract and joined Lens.
The Wales international has signed a two-year deal with Steve Cooper’s side
Speaking to the club’s website, Hennessey said: “I’ve played Forest a lot in the past and they’re a fantastic club. There is a great fan base and the atmosphere at The City Ground is on par with the best in the game. Now that we’re back in the Premier League it will be at a different level.
“I also played with and against some Forest players. It’s a very exciting time to come on board and I can’t wait to get involved and start training here at Nigel Doughty Academy.’
The 35-year-old spent a season at Burnley after eight years at Crystal Palace before signing for Steve Cooper’s newly promoted side.
The 35-year-old spent eight seasons in goal at Premier League side Crystal Palace
The Wales international has already joined his new squad ahead of Saturday’s friendly with Barnsley in Oakwell.
Forest Manager Steve Cooper said: “Wayne is an excellent goalkeeper who has proven himself at the highest level over many years.
“He has helped Wales reach new heights in international play and he has a wealth of experience in the Premier League. However, Wayne is also a great character and a very strong addition to the Nottingham Forest dressing room.”
The 35-year-old goalkeeper will rival United’s loanee Dean Henderson
Congolese goalkeeper Samba made it clear to Forest last month that he wanted to leave before the club offered him a deal that failed to meet shotstoppers’ demands.
It is believed that Samba did not feel the proposed contract reflected his importance to the squad or what he had achieved with the side in three years.
So Nottingham Forest opted to sign Hennessey – who was limited to just two appearances at Turf Moor last season.
Hennessey played second fiddle to Nick Pope in the 2021-2022 season and was seen as exceeding the requirements despite the England goalkeeper’s departure.
Former Forest goalkeeper Brice Samba left the club for Lens despite playing a big part in their promotion
