Key deal, contract calls, exits – what to expect from big summer transfer window for Nottingham Forest
Latest Nottingham Forest news as Nuno Espirito Santo’s Reds look ahead to important summer transfer window
As the end of the season approaches, an important summer transfer window is fast looming into view for Nottingham Forest.
The Reds have a crucial few weeks ahead as they aim to secure Champions League qualification and take on Manchester City in the semi-finals of the FA Cup. Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo’s focus will not deviate from what happens on the pitch, but there is plenty of work going on in the background regarding matters off it.
Plenty of rumours and reports have already been doing the rounds ahead of the window opening in June. Below, NottinghamshireLive takes a look at what we know so far about Forest’s summer plans.
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The recent injuries to Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi have shown how quickly Nuno’s resources can become stretched at the top end of the pitch. Having had bringing in a forward on the agenda for the past two windows but without success, the Reds will not want to make it three in a row.
They have been linked with a long list of forwards already. Among those Forest have been credited with an interest in are Bournemouth’s Evanilson, Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez, Udinese’s Lorenzo Lucca, Victor Osimhen, who is on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, and Wolfsburg loanee Mohamed Amoura.
Ensuring Nuno has sufficient strength in depth across the pitch next term will be the aim when it comes to the Reds’ plans. Qualify for the Champions League and they would ideally like to have the equivalent of two strong XIs to help cope with competing on multiple fronts.
Various reports have suggested moves have already been made with regards to some targets. Earlier this week, it was claimed Forest had made a £34 million offer for teenage Como 1907 winger Assane Diao. Meanwhile, it has been reported that talks have taken place over a swoop for versatile Marseille attacker Luis Henrique.
Potential departures
The Reds did a lot of work last summer when it came to trimming fringe players. Nuno prefers to work with a tight-knit group and that made for a significant number of departures 12 months ago. Some exits are on the cards again, but perhaps not to the same extent as last year.
Wayne Hennessey, Harry Toffolo, Willy Boly and Jonathan Panzo will be out of contract in June. The club have an option to extend Boly’s stay by a further 12 months but a move to Saudi Arabia has been mooted. It wouldn’t be too much of a surprise if all four players move on.
There is a decision to be made over Aston Villa loanee Alex Moreno. The Reds must make a call over whether to take up the option to turn his switch into a permanent one. The full-back has seen limited game time in the second half of the campaign and has been linked with a return to former club Real Betis.
Ola Aina’s deal is also due to expire in the summer, although Forest have a year’s extension in their favour. However, the key will be getting him tied to longer terms as other clubs are keeping a keen eye on his situation.
In terms of other potential departures, our colleagues at WalesOnline have reported Lewis O’Brien is open to extending his stay at Swansea City. The midfielder is on loan at the Welsh club but it is said finances could present a stumbling block to him staying put.
Other players out on loan who could move on in the summer include Josh Bowler and Emmanuel Dennis. Defender Andrew Omobamidele also comes into that category as Strasbourg have an option to sign him permanently.
Retaining key men
Nuno placed a big emphasis on retaining the bulk of his squad last summer. The Portuguese will be hoping for the same again this time around.
But that hasn’t stopped speculation about some of the club’s prized assets. Murillo is never short of admirers, while the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga have been linked with other teams before.
