AMSTERDAM – Aston Villa free agent Eric Lichaj has joined Premier League chasers Nottingham Forest on a two-year contract.
Sources indicated to MLSsoccer.com that the 24-year-old opted for the Reds over Premier League suitors in order to gain the maximum amount of playing time. Lichaj also told the official club website he's well aware of his new employers' desire to return to the top flight for the first time since 2000.
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"It's a very good club, who are ambitious to go into the Premier League," Lichaj told BBC East Midlands on Wednesday. "That's where I want to be, as well. Nottingham Forest were keen to sign me and I didn't hesitate at all to come here."
Sources informed MLSsoccer.com that the still-developing wingback had been a Forest target since last season ended. Lichaj will now get the chance to become the fourth American to suit up for the two-time European champs, following Robbie Findley, John Harkes and Ben Olsen.
Having missed last season's promotion playoffs by two points, Nottingham Forest will kick off the new campaign when Huddersfield Town invade on August 3.
