Nottingham Forest had a successful transfer window, with the club addressing a number of issues within the squad.
Olympiacos welcomed eleven new players, two of whom – Marko Stamenic and David Carmo – signed season-long loan deals.
The most significant statistic was that almost 20 players were offloaded, including last year’s dismal loans, all of whom returned to their clubs, indicating that clearing the decks was necessary.
Another Forest player, Anthony Elanga, was linked with a move to Newcastle on transfer deadline day, but Forest maintained their £50 million value.
That interest may persist, and if he leaves in January or next summer, Forest will undoubtedly require a replacement.
Journalist chooses ideal replacement for Anthony Elanga.
For the time being, Elanga appears to be going nowhere. The window is closed until January, and even then, Forest may opt to stay firm.
However, next summer could be very different. If Newcastle makes it into Europe, Eddie Howe may persuade the club to pay £50 million for Elanga’s signature.
That would leave Forest looking for a successor, and Forest Focus host Matt Davies would like to see Brennan Johnson return to the club.
The Tottenham player scored a late victory in the Carabao Cup last night, while former Forest promotion hero Djed Spence also scored.
He said on X: “If #NFFC end up selling Elanga in a year for massive money then come back home Brennan.”
Johnson faces a crossroads at Tottenham.
It would have been a heartbreaking decision for Johnson to leave Forest and join Tottenham after a £47.5 million deal was accepted a year ago.
The academy graduate had helped the team gain promotion to the Premier League before scoring eight times as Steve Cooper ensured survival.
Johnson was the makeweight in Forest’s attempt to comply with financial fair play, which they ultimately failed to do since they sold him too late.
At Tottenham, he lacks academy credit and has recently been under fire from fans, to the point where he has erased his social media accounts!
At this point, there is no doubt that his Tottenham days are limited, with Ange Postecoglou supporting him in the media before of last night’s League Cup match against Coventry.
Johnson’s availability for transfer in 12 months remains to be seen.
If he was available and the price was right, the player would undoubtedly jump at the chance to play regular football in the Premier League for a club he cares deeply about.
Johnson scored five goals and assisted ten times in the Premier League last season, nearly matching Elanga’s totals.
Forest will always aim to look forward, but Johnson has shown in the past that he is a very capable Premier League player.
