Felipe arrives from Atlético Madrid
On this day in Nottingham Forest history in 2023 Forest sign Felipe from Atlético Madrid on deadline day.
Nottingham Forest completed the signing of Brazilian defender Felipe from Atlético Madrid on transfer deadline day.
The move brought a highly experienced centre-back into Steve Cooper’s squad during Forest’s first Premier League season after promotion. Felipe arrived with a strong European pedigree, having won league titles in Portugal and Spain and played regularly in the Champions League.
For a newly promoted side trying to survive, that experience mattered. Forest needed defensive authority, and Felipe soon became more than just a squad addition. He brought calmness, aggression and know-how to the back line during the tense final months of 2022–23.
His impact was clearest in the survival run. Felipe made 16 Premier League appearances after arriving, becoming a trusted presence as Forest fought their way to safety and finished 16th. What had looked like a short-term deadline-day gamble became one of the more important January additions.
The second season was much harder. A knee problem disrupted his pre-season and kept him out for long periods in 2023–24, with later flare-ups stopping him from building any rhythm. By the time he returned, Forest’s defence had changed and Murillo had emerged as a major new figure.
Felipe still offered experience when available, but his body was clearly making the final stretch difficult. He announced that 2023–24 would be his last season as a professional, and Forest gave him an emotional farewell after confirming his retirement.
His Forest spell was short, but not forgettable. Felipe arrived as emergency experience, helped the club survive its first Premier League season back, then saw injury bring a distinguished career towards its close.
Sources
Nottingham Forest official site; Atlético Madrid official site; Record
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