Batshuayi deal off - Forest still break UK record for most signings in one window

Nottingham Forest have failed in talks with Chelsea to sign striker Michy Batshuayi. According to Fabrizio Romano, that deal was all but concluded, but The Athletic reported late on Thursday that the two sides could not come to an agreement. The striker would have become the club's 20th signing of the summer transfer window (overview).

But even without the Batshuayi signing, Forest have smashed the record for making the most signings by an English club in a single transfer window. Crystal Palace managed 17 new signings in the summer of 2013.

Even with Batshuayi not signing for Nottingham Forest, the promoted Premier League club managed to break the record. With just minutes left on the clock, the club managed to register Josh Bowler from Blackpool—he was sent on loan to Olympiacos—and Loïc Badé from Stade Rennais. Meanwhile, free agent Serge Aurier could still be announced. 

Nottingham Forest 5th biggest spender in the window

Those two signings would bring the count to 21 new players signed in the summer transfer window—22 if Aurier is announced. That would also smash a British record as Scottish sides Dundee United (in 2000) and Livingston (in 2001) managed 19 signings in a single window.

Forest have not only smashed records in terms of player signings but also in the amount of money invested. The promoted Premier League side have spent €161.95 million this window on new players already. Only four clubs have spent more money this summer.