Leeds United are reportedly eyeing a move for Nottingham Forest striker Sam Surridge – and LeedsUnited.News spoke to Nottingham Forest News lead writer Lee Clarke, who has backed him to score 20 goals, if he joins Leeds.
Surridge, 24, has only been at Forest for 18 months. But he impressed following his £2.3m move from Stoke City in January 2022 – scoring eight goals during the second half of Forest’s promotion year. He has played 50 times.
But with the ex-Bournemouth man entering the final 12 months of his contract, it is likely he leaves Forest in the coming weeks. Taiwo Awoniyi is first choice. Forest have other back-up options. They are likely to make signings.
So, Surridge could go and Phil Hay has reported on The Athletic that Surridge is a target for Leeds. NFN’s Clarke compared him to the Patrick Bamford that joined Leeds in 2018, and backed him to shine in a Leeds United shirt.
“Honestly, I don’t envisage him being too dissimilar to Bamford when you first signed him. He scored eight goals for us in the second half of our Champ season and when he went through on goal, he never looked like missing.
“He was a cheat code in that sense. Had we not been promoted, no doubt he would have spearheaded our strike force in the Championship. He’d have comfortably scored 20 goals,” Clarke told us, when asked about Surridge.
Despite only joining Forest 18 months ago, Surridge finds himself in the final year of his contract – a bit of a strange situation. When asked about Surridge’s contract status, Clarke explained why his future at Forest is in doubt.
Leeds eyeing Surridge: Clarke backs him to score 20 goals if he joins
“It’s a bit circumstantial,” Clarke continued. “With Forest now in the Premier League, it’s hard to imagine him ever being considered first choice in that league, with the jury still out over whether he can cut it at the top level.
“He started one game for us last season and that came on the opening day against Newcastle [a 2-0 loss to the Toon]. I can’t see us letting him go for free. If we can get the £2.3m back that we paid, I think we’ll be happy.”
So, Surridge’s future is in doubt – and he is struggling to get into the Forest side on a regular basis with Awoniyi impressing and Forest busy in the transfer window. We asked Clarke if he felt Surridge needs to leave Forest.
“I do, yes. Forest will definitely look to add more firepower to complement Taiwo Awoniyi and ultimately, it’s hard to believe that Steve Cooper trusts him to act as an alternative to the Nigerian. Surridge is a good pro,” Clarke added.
“It’s been claimed that if he’s an unused substitute, he goes straight to the gym for a workout as though he’s played. He’s a sound lad and supporters will love his natural instinct in front of goal and his desire to do well for the team.”
At Leeds, meanwhile, a striker is needed. Georginio Rutter is going to be used out wide, Patrick Bamford’s future is also under the microscope and Rodrigo will leave. Would he be a good signing for us? Clarke is unequivocal.
That first season when you come down is underwhelming. You essentially go from being linked to £20m players to ones who can do a job in the Championship. Surridge would do that. I’d back him to score 20 goals,” Clarke said.
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