Nottingham Forest has been one of the biggest surprises of the Premier League season, with the team sitting in third place and looking set for a European adventure.
It’s been years since the club has had this kind of success, with their last European outing coming back in the 1995-96 season.
While many criticized Forest’s recruitment strategy in the past, it’s safe to say their decisions are paying off as players let go by larger clubs have helped push the team towards a Champions League spot.
However, the season is far from over, and Forest still faces stiff competition from Manchester City, Newcastle, Chelsea, Bournemouth, and Aston Villa, all of whom are closely following them in the standings.
With a tough schedule ahead, including matches against Newcastle, City, and Arsenal, there’s still room for improvement.
The Final Stretch of the January Transfer Window
With the January transfer window closing soon, there’s still time for Forest to strengthen their squad, especially with some key games ahead.
Our Nottingham Forest expert, Tom Collomosse, takes a closer look at the club’s situation and answers some crucial transfer questions.
What Business Have Forest Done So Far in January?
Known for their activity in the transfer market, Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has focused on keeping his key players rather than making big signings this January.
So far, their only moves have been re-signing goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, who returned on a free transfer after being released seven months ago, and sending defender Andrew Omobamidele out on loan to Strasbourg.
What Does Forest Still Need and Do They Have the Funds?
While Forest has done well in most areas, there’s still a gap when it comes to a reliable backup for top scorer Chris Wood.
If Wood were sidelined with an injury, Forest’s attacking options would be stretched thin.
To address this, the club is looking to bring in a proven attacking option, although they must be mindful of PSR regulations when making any new signings.
Which Players Are Forest Eyeing?
One player at the top of Forest’s list is Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, whose contract situation has drawn the interest of several clubs, including Forest.
However, his high price tag—rumored to be around £60 million—could make any deal difficult.
Another player on their radar is Yoane Wissa from Brentford, who’s had an impressive season with 11 goals and 2 assists, making him an appealing target.
Who Could Still Leave the Club?
Before making any new signings, Forest may need to offload some players, and one likely candidate for departure is Taiwo Awoniyi.
The Nigerian striker has shown promise but has struggled with injuries since joining the club.
Forest is open to letting him go, and there’s speculation that West Ham or another club could take a chance on him despite his injury record.
Which Players Have Stepped Up in January?
Although Nuno has shown a lot of loyalty to his starting XI, recent performances have shown signs of fatigue, especially in the matches against Southampton and Bournemouth.
As a result, some fringe players may be given more chances in the coming weeks.
Players like Alex Moreno, Ramon Sosa, Jota Silva, and James Ward-Prowse will be hoping to get more minutes and make an impact, potentially acting as “new signings” for the remainder of the season.
With the end of the January window fast approaching, there’s plenty for Nottingham Forest to consider as they aim to secure a place in European competition for the next season.
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