Accrington Stanley have today completed the permanent signing of defender Baba Fernandes from Nottingham Forest on a two-year contract.
Born in Guinea-Bissau, Fernandes began his career with Portuguese side Vitória and made three first team appearances for the Setubal-based club.
The 22-year-old, who joined Nottingham Forest in 2021, played 14 times for their Under-23s side last season and helped Andy Reid's men reach the semi-finals of the Premier League 2 Division 2 Play-Offs.
His EFL debut came in a 2-1 Carabao Cup victory over Bradford City, with the defender then also featuring against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the same competition.
John Coleman said: "He's got the potential to come back with us and make the grade, and an opportunity to play in the league.
"I think we do need to balance the squad out and get a few more defenders in, so he ticks the boxes for that. It's been going on for a bit but we're glad to get that over the line.
"We won't be that far away from having a finalised squad, maybe one more loanee, and then we'll look to see between now and the window shutting what happens."
The move is subject to EFL and FA ratification.