Sels pens new Forest deal as Danilo departs for Botafogo

Sels, who joined Forest in February 2024 from Strasbourg, played a pivotal role in sealing the club's first involvement in a European competition since 1995-96 last season.

He helped Forest keep 13 clean sheets in the Premier League in 2024-25, the club's joint-most ever in a campaign in the competition (also 13 in 1994-95).

The Belgium international shared the Golden Glove with Arsenal's David Raya in what was a remarkable season for the 33-year-old.

Only Mark Flekken (73.1%) and Jordan Pickford (73%) had a better save percentage than Sels (72.1%) of goalkeepers to make more than 35 top fight appearances last season.

Sels made a division-high 28 punches in 2024-25, while also making 120 saves, a total only bettered by Flekken (153), Aaron Ramsdale (125) and Pickford (122).

And upon agreeing improved terms with the Reds as part of his new contract, Sels is looking forward to building on their stunning domestic campaign last year.

"I'm really happy. We had an amazing season last year and I was one small part of that, so I'm really happy to sign a new contract," Sels told Forest's official website.

"Hopefully we can continue together and have some great moments again this season.

"I'm looking forward to playing in Europe because it’s really something special. Playing in this stadium and playing in big games in the Premier League is also really special."

We're delighted to announce that Matz Sels has signed a new contract with the Club.

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) July 18, 2025

Elsewhere at the City Ground, Forest confirmed that midfielder Danilo had left the club to return to his home nation of Brazil with Serie A side Botafogo.

Danilo has signed a four-year deal with Botafogo, just two years after arriving in England from Palmeiras in a reported £16m transfer.

He made 62 appearances in all competitions, with the majority of those coming in his first full season with the club.