Millwall Football Club are reportedly in the hunt to sign Nottingham Forest defender Zach Abbott on a loan deal this week. The Lions are joined by Championship rivals Watford and Southampton, as well as Scottish side Hibernian, in pursuing the 20-year-old centre-back, according to a report from Football Insider.
Zach Abbott, who joined Forest as a youngster in 2017, has not appeared in any of the club's three competitive fixtures this term. This comes after he made ten appearances across all competitions last season, including five starts during Forest's run to the Europa League semi-finals. His professional debut came at just 16 in a Carabao Cup win over Grimsby Town in 2022.
Who is Zach Abbott?
Zach Abbott is a 20-year-old English defender who has been with Nottingham Forest since 2017. He has featured regularly for the club's under-21 side for the last four years and has won caps for England at several youth levels. Abbott was thrust into the spotlight in April 2025 when injuries forced manager Nuno Espirito Santo to start him at right-back in an FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City at Wembley. Despite that high-profile experience, he has found himself out of the picture early this season under new manager Oliver Glasner.
Why are Millwall interested?
Millwall's interest comes as the club looks to strengthen its defensive options. The Lions currently sit seventh in the Championship with six points from three games, having won two and lost one. They have scored six goals and conceded five, leaving them with a goal difference of plus one. With the next fixture at home to Wrexham on September 2, manager Gary Rowett will be assessing his squad depth. Adding a young, talented defender like Abbott could provide valuable cover and competition. Fans can track the team's progress on the official standings page.
What is the situation at Nottingham Forest?
Nottingham Forest manager Oliver Glasner has been busy reshaping his defensive line throughout his first transfer window. The club has already signed defenders Ousmane Diomande and Daniel Munoz in recent weeks. Forest also remains in the market for a new goalkeeper to compete with veteran Matz Sels. Sources told Football Insider that Chelsea's Robert Sanchez is keen on a move to the City Ground after the Blues signed Emi Martinez. Sanchez, who has struggled to prove himself as a reliable shot-stopper at Chelsea, is also reportedly of interest to Serie A club Como.
Where would Abbott fit at Millwall?
Should a loan move materialize, Zach Abbott would provide a youthful option in central defence for Millwall. His versatility, having played at right-back in a pinch, could also be an asset. The Lions are three points behind league leaders Charlton and will be looking to maintain a push near the top of the table. Integrating a player with European experience, even at a young age, could be beneficial for the squad's development. Supporters can view the full roster on the club's squad page.
The pursuit of Zach Abbott highlights Millwall's intent to build a competitive squad for the Championship campaign. The club's next opportunity to pick up points comes at The Den against Wrexham on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
