Forest bolsters back line with Codie Thomas loan from Manchester City

Nottingham Forest have secured a season‑long loan for 19‑year‑old defender Codie Thomas from Manchester City, announced by an official club press release from “The Tricky Trees” this evening, with the move also reported to WSL Full‑Time. The loan makes Thomas the club’s fifth signing of the summer window.

Forest pursued Thomas to strengthen a back‑line that has lacked depth this season. The club highlighted his 1v1 defending, pace and willingness to join attacks as attributes that fit their desire for a dynamic defence.

Thomas arrived at Manchester City’s academy at nine and spent a decade developing there. He made his first‑team debut under former City boss Gareth Taylor in the 2024/2025 season and has logged four senior appearances for the Cityzens.

Internationally, Thomas has featured for England at Under‑19 level, gaining valuable youth‑international experience. His performances at that level have underlined his defensive capabilities.

Last season he was on loan at Glasgow City in the Scottish Women’s Premier League, where he earned regular minutes and described the spell as a learning opportunity that prepared him for senior football.

“I’m really excited to be here and to get started. When the opportunity to join Forest came up, I had the chance to speak with Tom Mallinson. His ideas, ambition and motivation to succeed really stood out to me and made the decision an easy one,” Thomas said. This comment reflects his enthusiasm for the move.

Thomas also identified his strongest qualities as 1v1 defending and speed, adding that he enjoys getting forward to provide assists and hopes to score a few goals. He believes these forward runs will add an extra dimension to Forest’s defence.

The loan makes Thomas the fifth signing for Nottingham Forest this summer, adding depth and competition to the defensive unit. For Thomas, the season‑long spell offers regular first‑team football and a platform to continue his development.