Feyenoord Turns Down €21 Million Nottingham Forest Bid for Givairo Read

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Feyenoord has rejected a €21 million bid from Nottingham Forest for 19-year-old right-back Givairo Read, according to journalist Martijn Krabbendam on the Dick Voormekaar Podcast Vakantiespecial. The offer, which arrived during the summer transfer window, was deemed insufficient by the Rotterdam club, which values its young defender higher.

The decision sets up a classic dilemma for Feyenoord’s hierarchy: cash in on a rising talent now or hold onto him for another season in hopes of increasing his value and on-pitch contribution.

What Nottingham Forest offered and why Feyenoord said no

Nottingham Forest, preparing for their third consecutive Premier League season, made a €21 million proposal for Read. The bid was structured as a fixed fee — no performance-related add-ons have been reported. Feyenoord’s response was swift: the amount does not match their valuation.

Krabbendam, speaking on the podcast alongside Michel van Egmond, explained the club’s reasoning: “You also have to be a bit realistic, but 21 million is not enough for a player of his potential and the current market.” Feyenoord is believed to be holding out for a figure closer to €30 million, especially given Read’s contract length and his emergence as a first-team regular.

Givairo Read’s rise at Feyenoord

Read broke into the Feyenoord first team during the 2024-25 season, making 28 appearances across all competitions. His pace, defensive aggression, and ability to push forward from full-back quickly caught the attention of scouts across Europe. In the 2025-26 campaign, he has already started in the Eredivisie and Champions League qualifiers, solidifying his place under head coach Brian Priske.

The Dutch youth international (born in 2006) is under contract with Feyenoord until June 2028, meaning the club holds a strong negotiating position. Selling him this summer would require a fee that reflects both his current ability and his potential ceiling.

The sell-now-versus-keep dilemma for Feyenoord

Feyenoord faces a familiar balancing act with Read. On one hand, €21 million is a significant sum for an Eredivisie club. It could be reinvested into squad depth or used to strengthen other positions. On the other hand, Read is 19 and still developing. If he plays another full season at a high level, his market value could climb well above the current offer, especially if he performs in the Champions League.

Krabbendam noted the club’s internal discussion: “Do you sell now or keep the right-back in Rotterdam for another season?” The answer depends on Feyenoord’s short-term ambitions — they are competing for the Eredivisie title and aiming for a deep European run — and their confidence in Read’s continued growth.

Nottingham Forest have not yet returned with an improved bid, but the rejection signals that Feyenoord is willing to wait.

What this means for Feyenoord’s transfer window

The club has already made several moves this summer, bringing in reinforcements in midfield and attack. Keeping Read would allow them to focus resources elsewhere while maintaining defensive stability. If a second offer arrives closer to €30 million, the calculus could change.

Feyenoord supporters should watch for whether the Premier League side tests the club’s resolve with a higher fee before the window closes. For now, Read remains a Feyenoord player, and the club is betting on his continued development rather than cashing in early.

Why this matters for FootballGames10 readers

Transfer standoffs like this one shape the summer market. For fans of Feyenoord and the Eredivisie, the outcome will affect the team’s defensive lineup and budget. For followers of Nottingham Forest, it shows the level of investment required to land a top Eredivisie prospect. The deal also provides a benchmark for the valuation of young Dutch defenders in the current market.

Source: Voetbal International – “Feyenoord wijst 21 miljoen voor Read af: ‘Je moet ook een beetje reëel zijn’” (https://www.vi.nl/video/feyenoord-wijst-21-miljoen-voor-read-af-je-moet-ook-een-beetje-reeel-zijn)