Latest Nottingham Forest verdict as Reds manager Nuno Espirito Santo prepares for the showdown with Southampton.
When Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo was asked about transfers during his pre-match press conference, he responded predictably.
Attempts to extract information from the Portuguese concerning the Reds’ pursuit of Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah were generally unsuccessful. It was never going to be any other way, even if one particular query elicited a wry smirk when the response came.
A questioner got started: “I know you won’t speak about a specific player who is not at Nottingham Forest Football Club.” Nuno instantly replied, “Correct, so why even ask?!”
But, if a 25-year-old, mobile, speedy No. 9 with a proven track record of scoring in the Premier League becomes available, how might he compliment the present squad? Nonetheless, attempts to glean even the tiniest hint of an answer failed.
“I have to see whether he’s available. Nuno responded with a deadpan, “I don’t recall anything.”
Some supporters have questioned if spending the reported numbers on Nketiah’s wages and transfer fees would be a good investment. Not everyone believes he would be the right signing.
However, forwards do cost money. Forest could likely benefit from competition and cover for Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi. Nketiah has scored goals in the Premier League, yet some fans are skeptical of his overall performance.
Nuno understands better than anyone that it is folly to discuss a signing until it is finalized. The transfer window is still open for a little more than a week, and as the Reds’ manager pointed out before of Saturday’s trip to Southampton (3pm kick-off), anything may happen.
Predicting how the last days of any window will play out is never simple. The City Ground has not shied away from busy deadline days in the past.
This summer, however, the club’s transfer strategy has been cautious and deliberate. On paper, they’ve made some attractive deals. The squad has been reinforced, and Forest should finish the window in a strong position.
“There are various things going on. The last days of the window are often when clubs strive to finalize things, so anything may happen. “As a club, we must be prepared to react to any situation,” Nuno stated.
Danilo’s horrific injury against Bournemouth last weekend demonstrated how unexpected situations might occur. The Reds are well-stocked in midfield, so the Brazilian’s absence is unlikely to affect their transfer ambitions, but the point remains.
“Until the 30th, when we still have two matches to play, we must be prepared for anything. “I hope it (the injury) does not happen again,” Nuno said.
Understandably, he was hesitant to examine the entire dressing area until he knew who he’d be working with. Forest’s objective in the coming days will be to retain its key players, as Nuno repeated. Still, the foundation of a good group is present.
“We are pleased with the players who are already here,” Nuno remarked when questioned about his squad’s strength. “The players who have joined have assimilated quite well, but it will never be finished until the 30th. I’ll be able to answer this question correctly because the window isn’t finished yet.”
