Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo is keen not to get carried away, but there is no denying Nottingham Forest are in excellent form at the moment.
The task is to keep it going as the Reds attempt to maintain their lofty position in the Premier League table. To that aim, the January transfer window is crucial at the City Ground.
Nuno’s squad does not require much improvement, but any agreements Forest approve must be assessed against the risk of breaking the momentum and team spirit that has already been established. It’s a fine line to cross.
The Reds’ 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night made it six wins in a row, and they are only six points behind league leaders Liverpool.
With a busy few weeks ahead, both on and off the pitch, NottinghamshireLive’s Reds reporter Sarah Clapson has stepped into Nuno’s shoes to determine what should happen at Trentside during the transfer window…
Contract calls
The absolute priority for Forest – arguably more so than overseeing any incomings or outgoings – should be getting key players tied to new deals as soon as possible. There is particular urgency when it comes to figuring out the futures of striker Chris Wood and full-back Ola Aina, with both in the final six months of their contracts.
As of January 1, the pair was able to negotiate with international teams. They could sign pre-contract agreements to lay the groundwork for their next actions before the season ends.
Both players have been connected to several clubs. Manchester City is thought to be monitoring Aina’s position, while Roma, AC Milan, and Galatasaray have expressed an interest. Wood supposedly has fans in Europe, Saudi Arabia, and the Major League Soccer (MLS).
In addition to guaranteeing that Aina and Wood sign a contract, Forest may want to propose new terms to some of their other valuable assets. Improved contracts for players such as Murillo and Morgan Gibbs-White could help deter potential suitors.
Tough decisions.
The Reds have a quality group in place, and they worked hard during the summer to remove any excess fat. Nuno, like before the season, wants to go through January with the nucleus of the dressing room intact.
Forest wants to keep their key players. They understand that some of their players will have made competitors sit up and take notice with their performances, but they are also mindful of the impact those in the spotlight may have in the fight for European football.
What happens to some of the club’s peripheral players will force more difficult decisions to be made. For example, Leeds United and Sheffield United are interested in Andrew Omobamidele. Trentside views the defender as a promising potential, but he is currently ranked lower in the pecking order. A loan move could be beneficial for him, but the Reds must ensure they do not run out of choices in any department.
Similarly, Eric da Silva Moreira, who signed in the summer, could benefit from a loan. He appears to have a promising future ahead of him, but regular football could help him improve.
In terms of potential sales, Emmanuel Dennis is clearly in need of a permanent transfer. The club will have to oversee the attacker’s exit, which may be easier said than done given his lack of game time.
Key signing
Nuno has strength in depth across the majority of the pitch as a result of his good summer business. However, one position in particular requires emphasis this month: up front.
Wood is having the best season of his life, while Taiwo Awoniyi proved he still has a role to play by scoring his first goal of the season at Molineux. However, more firepower would be a significant boost to Forest’s efforts to maintain their lead at the top of the table.
Many names have been linked. The club will undoubtedly assess any transaction carefully and will maintain a similar approach to that of the summer in not making deals for the sake of it. They will not want to be held hostage during what can be a difficult period to navigate at the best of circumstances.
Reigniting interest in Omar Marmoush after having two bids rejected in the summer would involve a significant outlay for the Reds. Eintracht Frankfurt are reportedly holding out for as much as £50 million for the front man, whose stock has risen significantly in recent months courtesy of his red-hot form.
If Forest wish to pursue a striker at the opposite end of the financial scale, Corinthians’ Yuri Alberto could make sense. The Reds have been linked with a £19m bid for the 23-year-old, who has not been shy about admitting it is his dream to play in the Premier League. The club have a solid track record in the South American market and he would be able to rely on the Brazilian contingent already in place at the City Ground to help him adapt.
