Nottingham Forest sign Wayne Hennessey

Callum Castel-Nuovo

Nottingham Forest have signed Burnley goalkeeper, Wayne Hennessey.

As Ethan Horvath and Brice Samba both leave the City Ground this summer, the Wales international will try to challenge Dean Henderson for the number one shirt this season.

Hennessey leaves Burnley after a two year stint at Turf Moor, providing back up for the highly-rated Nick Pope.

At 35 years of age, Hennessey brings extensive Premier League experience to the Nottingham Forest squad, having played in the top flight for Wolverhampton Wanderers, Crystal Palace and Burnley.

The 35-year-old will represent Wales in the World Cup in November and will be aiming to stay as sharp as possible in time for the competition. He will play alongside fellow Forest players Brennan Johnson and Neco Williams.

How will Hennessey perform?

Although it is anticipated that Hennessey will merely serve as Dean Henderson's backup, the 35-year-old is unquestionably a top-tier goalkeeper in his own right, having consistently performed for his country recently.

The 6 foot 6 shot-stopper has continued to be the go-to player at the international level despite making just five Premier League appearances in the last three seasons, all at Burnley and Crystal Palace.

He particularly contributed to Robert Page's team qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1958.

The critical play-off match between Wales and Ukraine last month saw the goalkeeper make nine saves in a truly world-class performance as Wales won 1-0. Ukraine's nine shots on target were the highest by a team without a goal in a game during the 2022 European World Cup qualification campaign.

His exceptional performance prompted a raving review from teammate Gareth Bale, with the new LAFC player praising the performance as the "greatest goalie performance I have ever seen to date."

Hennessey, who joins Taiwo Awoniyi, Dean Henderson, Giuliane Biancone, Omar Richards, Moussa Niakhaté, and Neco Williams as Forest's first Premier League additions, will offer Steve Cooper's team excellent goalkeeping coverage.

Photography: ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - JUNE 14: Wayne Hennessey of Wales during the UEFA Nations League League A Group 4 match between Wales and Netherlands at Feijenoord Stadion on June 14, 2022 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)