Colchester sign Forest midfielder Perry

Perry played for the Nottigham Forest side who reached the FA Youth Cup final in 2022

Colchester United have signed midfielder Ben Perry from Nottingham Forest for an undisclosed fee.

The 20-year-old has signed a three-year contract for the U's and is boss Danny Cowley's fourth signing of the summer.

Perry was part of the Forest side which reached the FA Youth Cup final in 2022 before losing to Manchester United.

He played 17 games on loan at League One club Northampton Town during the 2024-25 season.

Perry told the Colchester website that his loan spell at Sixfields helped with his development.

"It was invaluable. Going there and into a first team changing room and playing men's football," he said.

"I've learned so much from my time there, and I'm really hoping to kick on even more this season."

Perry never made a first-team league appearance for Forest but did play in the EFL Trophy during both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 campaigns.

Colchester begin the new season with a home game against Tranmere Rovers on 2 August.