Nottingham Forest is a contender to sign Michael Noonan, a seventeen-year-old Irish striker from Shamrock Rovers. The Premier League club's interest could affect the signing process for Ajax. According to Irish media, Ajax was previously considered close to signing him. Chelsea, Manchester City, Celtic, and Hoffenheim have also been reported as being interested in the Irish player. Noonan will turn eighteen on July 31, after which he will not require a work permit to play in the United Kingdom.
An Irish newspaper, The 42, wrote in early June that Ajax was his preferred destination, but it is now unclear if they are still the leading contenders for the player. His contract expires at the end of the calendar year. At Nottingham Forest, former Irish international Andy Reid is in charge. Noonan joined Shamrock Rovers in January 2025, has 5 caps and 1 goal for the Ireland U21 national team, and has scored 4 goals in 20 appearances in the 2025/2026 Premier Division season. His current market value on Transfermarkt is €450k. Earlier in 2026, reports mentioned Shamrock Rovers' valuation of €2 million and that an offer of €1.8 million from TSG Hoffenheim was accepted by the club in February.
