Ibrahim Sangaré

Sangare has been named in Ivory Coast's World Cup squad and is expected to be the defensive anchor at the base of the midfield throughout the competition.

Analysis: Sangare ended the club season having made 28 Premier League appearances for Nottingham Forest, contributing two goals and two assists across 2,080 minutes in a commanding campaign that has fuelled speculation linking him with bigger clubs, despite the overall difficult campaign for Forest. The midfielder brings exceptional physicality, aerial dominance and pressing intensity that makes him one of the most complete defensive midfielders in the Premier League, and his ability to protect the defense while contributing to the attack gives manager Fae a world-class option in the engine room for the Elephants. Sangare heads into the World Cup as arguably Ivory Coast's most important defensive figure and one of the most physically imposing midfielders in the entire tournament.

May 17, 2026

Makes bench Sunday

Sangare (undisclosed) is on the bench for Sunday's clash against Manchester United.

Analysis: Sangare returned to training Friday after missing the Newcastle fixture the previous weekend, with manager Vitor Pereira having expressed confidence in his progression ahead of the trip to Old Trafford. The midfielder is a regular presence in the heart of Nottingham Forest's engine room when healthy, having started 24 of his 26 appearances this season, but the club opted to ease him back with a bench role rather than throwing him straight into the starting lineup. He has contributed two goals and two assists this campaign alongside 58 tackles, 48 clearances and 20 interceptions on the defensive end.