Willy Boly potential next club

Nottingham Forest have confirmed Willy Boly will depart the club upon the expiration of his contract this month.

Signed from Wolves in 2022, the defender was a popular figure at the City Ground and an influential presence in consolidating Forest in the Premier League.

The Ivorian featured in 20 Premier League matches during the 2023/24 season as Nuno Espirito Santo's side avoided relegation on the final day of the campaign.

Boly slipped down the pecking order following the arrivals of Nikola Milenković and Morato, but still contributed to the club achieving qualification for the Europa League.

The 35-year-old only made two appearances in all competitions due to a persistent knee issue which resulted in him being removed from Forest's active squad in February.

Despite those fitness concerns, Boly is expected to be in demand this summer and we've assessed where the defender could head next.

Charlton Athletic

Championship outfit Charlton were credited with an interest in Boly last month as Nathan Jones looks to bolster his squad over the summer.

The Addicks comfortably avoided relegation last season and the challenge for Jones will be to consolidate the club in the second tier despite operating on one of the smallest budgets in the division.

Lloyd Jones and Macaulay Gillesphey impressed in the Championship, but Boly's experience and ability would be a valuable asset for Charlton as they look to improve on their 19th-place finish.

Wolves

Are Wolves getting the band back together?

Relegated from the Premier League, the Midlands outfit are already making several bold acquisitions in the transfer market including the arrival of Kieran Trippier and the return of former striker Raul Jimenez.

Jimenez and Boly were influential members of the Wolves squad that finished seventh in back-to-back seasons in the Premier League, while Boly was present in the side that won promotion from the Championship under Nuno Espirito Santo in 2017/18.

Rob Edwards is eager to add experience to his young squad and Boly's presence would be invaluable when attempting to orchestrate a title-winning campaign.

West Ham

Another outfit relegated from the Premier League, Nuno Espirito Santo may wish to reacquaint with a trusted ally after his future as West Ham manager was confirmed.

Boly's followed Nuno from Porto to Wolves to Nottingham Forest, and a central defender will certainly be on the agenda for the Hammers as they prepare for life in the second tier.

There were glaring frailties in the Hammers defence last term and Boly could help to address those gaps.