The latest Nottingham Forest transfer news, as Nuno Espirito Santa begins to prepare his squad for the new season.
Nottingham Forest’s transfer plans for the next Premier League season are well underway, with the club beginning the summer with a number of deals in and out.
So far, three new players have been added, the most recent being midfielder Elliot Anderson, who joined from Newcastle United and is now officially part of the City Ground squad.
Equally important is the issue of lowering team size. Forest has already started this process, and other departures are inevitable.
£17 million defender on Nuno’s radar
Forest are allegedly interested in Lyon defender Jake O’Brien during what is expected to be a busy summer window.
The Reds have had a strong start to the summer, managing some incomings and outgoings. So far, three players have been signed, with midfielder Elliot Anderson joining from Newcastle United as the most recent addition.
Just as vital as strengthening Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad is the necessity to reduce numbers. Forest has made a start on that front, and more exits will follow.
Midfielder Orel Mangala and defender Moussa Niakhate are poised to join Lyon. According to The Athletic, the Reds considered centre-back O’Brien “as an option” in their discussions with the French club.
O’Brien is still on Lyon’s roster for the time being, although he appears to be in high demand. West Ham United and Everton are reportedly among the Premier League clubs keeping an eye on him.
So far, approaches for the 23-year-old Republic of Ireland international have been based on a £17 million price tag. Crystal Palace would reportedly receive 25% of any selling proceeds, following O’Brien’s transfer from Selhurst Park to Lyon a year ago.
Premier League rivals eye the two.
Premier League opponents are reportedly circling Callum Hudson-Odoi, but Nottingham Forest have no intention of selling the winger just a year after buying him.
Following a troublesome run of injuries at boyhood club Chelsea, where he was eventually replaced by new arrivals, the 23-year-old decided to look elsewhere to advance his career. Forest benefited from the decision, as he swiftly rose to prominence in the group.
But the promise that existed as a child at Stamford Bridge, along with the rediscovered ability on exhibit at the City Ground, has not gone unnoticed. According to The Athletic, at least three clubs, some of which are direct contenders in the English top division, have expressed interest this summer.
There is also interest in Anthony Elanga, a winger. News of the Magpies’ interest in the Reds ace broke over the weekend, before of the Premier League’s accounting deadline.
The two clubs were claimed to have discussed a prospective swap deal involving the former Manchester United player, with Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson being mentioned as potential candidates to go the other way.
Anderson eventually moved to the City Ground in a £35 million deal. However, it found out that goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos had gone for the northeast.
What can Forest fans expect from Elliot Anderson?
Elliot Anderson is expected to “explode” onto the scene for Nottingham Forest if he can find his best position and play consistently.
The midfielder joined the Reds from Newcastle United in the early hours of Monday morning, becoming their third signing of the summer. He signed a five-year contract after a transaction worth approximately £35 million was completed.
Anderson’s adaptability will be especially important for Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, who prefers to work with a small group. The newcomer can play as a No.8, No.10, or out wide, but figuring out which role best suits him could be the key to realizing his full potential.
“I think he just needs to nail down his best position and probably improve his numbers in terms of goals and assists,” ChronicleLive’s Sean McCormick told NottinghamshireLive. “The talent and potential are there, and the consensus over the last two years has been that he is ready to explode if given a regular run of games in one position. If Forest can accomplish this, he will thrive.
Orel Mangala exits.
Orel Mangala, a midfielder, has moved permanently from Nottingham Forest to Lyon.
The transfer ends the Belgian’s two-year stay on the Trent River’s banks. He joined the Reds from Stuttgart in the summer of 2022 as part of the club’s recruitment drive following its elevation to the Premier League.
Mangala’s departure comes as no surprise. He spent the second half of last season on loan at the French club and was expected to make the move permanent. Forest confirmed his resignation with a statement that read: “We thank Orel for his contribution during his time at the club and wish him all the best for the future.”
The 26-year-old exits the City Ground with 53 Garibaldi appearances and two goals. He contributed significantly to the Reds’ top-flight survival during his first season at the club and adapted well to English football over time.
Forest added: “The Belgian international played an important role in Lyon’s stunning comeback last season, helping the French side escape the relegation zone and finish sixth in Ligue 1, qualifying for next season’s UEFA Europa League. During his tenure at Forest, the 26-year-old also established himself in Belgium’s international squad.
Mangala is anticipated to be accompanied in his move from the Reds to Lyon by defender Moussa Niakhate. It is expected that the centre-back will also make a permanent move to the Ligue 1 club.
This summer, Forest has prioritized managing exits above improving the squad. They have already made progress in reducing numbers, as head coach Nuno Espirito Santo loves to work with a small group.
And so does Brandon Aguilera.
He has made a permanent move from Nottingham Forest to Portuguese club Rio Ave.
The Costa Rica international joined the Reds in the summer of 2022 and will leave after three senior games. Last August, he made his Carabao Cup debut against Burnley, before going on to play in the FA Cup against Blackpool and the Premier League with Brentford.
According to a Forest statement, Aguilera will now join Rio Ave, a well-established Portuguese top-flight club that previously competed in the UEFA Europa League. We wish Brandon the best in the future.”
Last November, Reds owner Evangelos Marinakis confirmed his investment in Rio Avenue. The Greek investor invested at least 20.5 million euros (£17 million) in the club, which was claimed to help with debt repayment, transfer funds for the January window, and stadium and academy enhancements.
Aguilera had several loan spells after signing a four-year deal with City Ground from Alajuelense in July 2022. He formerly worked at Guanacasteca, Estoril, and Bristol Rovers.
Last year, the 21-year-old offensive midfielder joined the Forest first team for preseason and excelled. Defender Moussa Niakhate nicknamed him “a baller” after he showed off some smooth abilities during a training camp in Spain.
Forest has made three additions this summer. They have until 11 p.m. on August 30 to complete their transfer, with other ins and outs expected.
