Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Coventry City Battle for Union Berlin Striker Andrej Ilić

A fierce competition is brewing in the summer transfer market even before the window officially opens. 

SportsBoom can exclusively reveal that Nottingham Forest have emerged as a serious suitor for Union Berlin's Serbian striker Andrej Ilić. 

Forest's entry into the race complicates the picture because Coventry City and Fulham have also been tracking the signature for a long time.

The Evolving Stance of Union Berlin

Ilic is a player whose contract expires in June 2027. 

Union Berlin refused to let him leave the club during the winter transfer window. The German club clearly demonstrated their position as a stubborn seller at that time. However, the situation has now changed. With the player entering the final two years of his contract, Union Berlin is signalling a readiness to evaluate offers that arrive at the table. 

The club would prefer to sell him at a reasonable figure this summer rather than risk losing Ilic for nothing down the line.

Nottingham Forest Strategic Squad Rebuilding

SportsBoom has been told that Nottingham Forest are closely monitoring the 26-year-old striker, and internal decision-makers are heavily impressed by the player. 

Forest wants to reinforce their squad with strategic moves following their performances in the 2024/25 campaign. Adding quality and experience to the attacking line sits at the core of this plan. Ilic's profile answers that specific need perfectly.

In other news, Forest are also leading the race for Roma Defender Jan Ziółkowski, who is expected to be the man to replace Brazil star Murillo. 

Coventry and Fulham 

Coventry City are the earliest movers in this race. The newly promoted Premier League side previously demonstrated concrete intent to secure Ilic to solidify their top-flight status. It is well known that the club plans a comprehensive overhaul of their attacking line this summer, and Ilic remains the primary target for this plan. 

How seriously Coventry view the transfer is clear from their involvement long before rival clubs entered the frame.

Fulham are another Premier League club on the list. 

According to sources close to SportsBoom, while no concrete offer has landed on the table from the Fulham front yet, it is understood the club has placed Ilic firmly on their radar. The fact that three English clubs are targeting the same player simultaneously will inevitably push Ilic's market value upward.

Multiclub Bidding War

Ilic's stance is also a decisive factor in this transfer. 

According to sources, the Serbian striker is not actively demanding an exit from his club. 

However, he is not expected to turn down a Premier League offer if it lands in front of him. Stepping up to the English top flight represents a career-transforming move for a 26-year-old player. It is evaluated that Ilic will take this opportunity very seriously.

Union Berlin retains a strong negotiating position in this process. In a scenario where multiple clubs are actively interested, the German side will not be forced to lower their price. 

Remembering their firm stance during the winter window, Union Berlin will not concede easily in this summer's negotiations. The Bundesliga side will benefit as rival clubs push each other upward on the valuation.