Latest Nottingham Forest news as Nuno Espirito Santo’s Reds prepare for a busy summer transfer window.
Whatever happens between now and May, Nottingham Forest will have a significant summer.
The Reds will hope that it includes plans for another season in the Premier League as they strive to keep their top-flight status. Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad is currently 17th in the table, four points ahead of third-bottom Luton Town with 11 games remaining.
However, regardless of division, Forest will have a busy summer transfer window. And it might be another hectic one, with lots of comings and goings.
With this in mind, several important decisions about player contracts will need to be taken. The Reds have several players on their roster whose contracts are set to expire at the end of the season.
Centre-back Felipe is part of that group, but he has already indicated that he would retire after the 2023/24 season. When it comes to his teammates who are in the same situation, Forest must decide whether to give new contracts or allow them to leave as free agents. Nuno’s team also includes five loan players, with some of them potentially becoming permanent.
Below, we look at the players whose contracts are slated to expire in the summer of 2024 and provide our thoughts on their futures at the City Ground. We did not include Felipe because of his recent retirement hint.
Wayne Hennessey
Is it possible that the goalkeeping issue will be reassessed this summer? Matz Sels, who arrived in January, is the primary choice, with Matt Turner coming in second. According to reports, Odysseas Vlachodimos is dissatisfied with his limited playing time and may leave. If the Greek departs, Forest may want to keep Wayne Hennessey as the third senior goalkeeper on the roster. Verdict: The future is unknown.
Willy Boly
Andrew Omobamidele and Murillo are definitely the Reds’ centre-backs of the future, but having an experienced head in the team can still be beneficial. Willy Boly, when he recovers from injury, has the potential to play a significant role in the balance of the season. Even at 33 years old, he may yet have something to give in the future. In conclusion, Forest should consider signing a new one-year contract.
Ola Aina.
Ola Aina was terrific for the Reds in the early part of the season, and his adaptability is especially useful. He reached the Africa Cup of Nations final with Nigeria but returned to Trentside with an injury and has not played for the club since the end of December. Retaining his services, however, appears to be an easy decision. His contract contains future options. The verdict: A new contract.
Cheikho Kouyate
Forest have plenty of options in the midfield. Nuno’s tendency for playing with two in the center of the pitch intensifies the struggle for positions. Cheikhou Kouyate has only made 12 appearances this season and has mostly been a substitute. Final verdict: summer is over.
Chris Wood
Not long ago, the Reds’ £15 million investment to make Chris Wood’s loan permanent did not appear to be very good business. However, the striker has subsequently proven to be an excellent addition, and he has been missed while injured. Nuno has brought out the best in him. However, as Forest consider their attacking alternatives for next season, his age (32) and previous injury history will raise concerns. Verdict: The future is unknown.
Harry Arter
Harry Arter, a midfielder, last played a competitive game for Forest in January 2021. He hasn’t played for the first team in a long time. Final verdict: summer is over.
Loic Mbe Soh
Loic Mbe Soh, a defender who signed from PSG in 2020, is yet to make his Trentside debut. He is currently on loan at Almere City, and he is scheduled to leave Forest this summer. Final verdict: summer is over.
Gonzalo Montiel
Gonzalo Montiel’s loan at the City Ground from Sevilla has the potential to become permanent. However, the Argentine has struggled to maintain consistency, and injuries haven’t helped matters. Final verdict: summer is over.
Nuno Tavares
Injuries have also hampered Arsenal loanee Nuno Tavares. The full-back had only recently begun to rediscover form under Nuno, but he now faces a lengthy absence. His contract contains future options. Forest also has Harry Toffolo and Aina as left-back alternatives, while Neco Williams can play there. The club will also be keeping an eye on Omar Richards’ progress during his loan at Olympiacos, given that he has returned to play after a lengthy absence. Verdict: The future is unknown.
Divock Origi
In recent games, Divock Origi has demonstrated his abilities. The AC Milan loanee struggled to make an impact early in the season, but has recently gained the attention of fans. Maintain that kind of form, and making his transfer permanent may appear more appealing than it did not so long ago. Verdict: The future is unknown.
Gio Reyna
Gio Reyna, a Borussia Dortmund loanee, has struggled to get minutes so far. His four outings have all come from the bench, and a knock kept him out of last weekend’s defeat to Liverpool. His was a straightforward loan. Final verdict: summer is over.
Rodrigo Ribeira
Rodrigo Ribeiro joined on loan from Sporting Lisbon on the final day of the January transfer window. His playing time has been even more limited than Reyna’s, with only two substitute appearances thus far. He was always considered as a future prospect, but it remains to be seen whether Forest will make his move permanent. Verdict: The future is unknown.
