Latest Nottingham Forest transfer verdict as Reds seek to bolster Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s new-look squad is starting to take shape as Nottingham Forest prepare for the 2024/25 Premier League season.
So far, four additions have been made in a vital transfer window for the Reds as they aim to establish themselves in the top division. But there is still a lot of work to be done before the deadline on August 30.
Carlos Miguel, a goalkeeper, joined the club from Corinthians earlier this week. Eric da Silva Moreira, a versatile teenager, and Elliot Anderson, a midfielder, had previously signed contracts at the City Ground, as did Marko Stamenic before moving to Olympiacos on loan for a season.
Forest already has the foundation of a strong group in place from last semester. This summer, they will be laying the groundwork for future projects.
Several parts of the pitch still need to be strengthened as Nuno’s team prepares for their first friendly of the summer on Saturday, and there have been plenty of players connected. Below, our writers share their thoughts on who the Reds should sign next.
Trentside has made a strong start to the transfer season, but the Reds still need reinforcements in a key areas. The top end of the pitch is one area, as is full-back, but improving Nuno’s alternatives at centre-back is possibly the most vital.
Forest’s defensive capabilities are currently limited. Ideally, Murillo will stay put and be at the heart of the defense next season. Even if the club keeps him, they will need at least one more centre-back.
Several names have been related. Jake O’Brien from Lyon is one. But with him being valued at £30 million, that seems like a lot of money to spend.
Instead, if reports of Udinese wanting £8-12 million for Jaka Bijol are correct, that would be fantastic value for money. He would be an excellent addition. At 25, he’s a decent age and has a lot of experience. He truly stood out for Slovenia at the Euros.
With his performances in Germany, it’s no wonder that he’s being connected with multiple clubs. The Reds are thought to have inquired about him, although they could face stiff competition for his services. However, if they can keep Bijol’s other suitors at bay, it will be worthwhile. Forest have recently been successful in making bargain deals; at the asking price, the Slovenian would be another.
Content editor, Brian Dick
Forest probably need another goalkeeper; there are a couple still registered at other clubs. However, that should not be their next priority; while many of the transfer whispers are for defenders such as Jake O’Brien and Jaka Bijol, they must focus on the other end of the game.
Nuno’s teams are often well-organized, and while the Reds will undoubtedly need to plan for Murillo’s departure – as well as fill the void left by Moussa Niakhate’s exit – the head coach has demonstrated a knack for’scheming up’ defensive stability. What this team needs is a goal threat.
That requires finding a better option than Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi. Wood performed admirably in the second half of last season, but at 32, he is not the club’s ‘forever No. 9’. Awoniyi can be a real handful on occasion, but it doesn’t happen very often. I appreciate Che Adams as an option, but not as an all-game solution. Neither is Kelechi Iheanacho.
However, if Forest is able to push the boat out, Viktor Gyokeres will be. Is it too expensive? What about Brian Brobbey of Ajax? The major money needs to go up top, and if that means selling off one of the other desirable properties, I wouldn’t hesitate.
Content editor James Pallatt
A potential new No. 1? Check. A midfield upgrade? Tick. More firepower? Cross.
Forest appears to have already completed some big business during the summer transfer window. Carlos Miguel has arrived from Corinthians to fight Matz Sels for the first-choice goalkeeper position following last season’s issues, and Elliot Anderson, the ‘Geordie Maradona’, has joined from Newcastle United to reinforce Nuno’s midfield.
They should now focus their attention on the striker position, where Nuno has one or two wildcard free agent possibilities to explore, including Anthony Martial. Now, I understand that buying a player released by Manchester United did not work out for Jesse Lingard, the one-season blunder, but Martial could be worth a shot.
Martial has had a lot of terrible luck with injuries, which counts against him, but when he’s fit, he’s a proven Premier League goalscorer with 63 in the top division in United colours, and his pace could revolutionize a Forest attack.
The Reds would have a deadly frontline with Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga, who he played with at Old Trafford, with Morgan Gibbs-White behind. Imagine the quintet ripping it up in front of the Trent End.
