It is a key month for Nottingham Forest as they attempt to plot their path through the January transfer market.
The Reds are well aware they have a delicate balance to strike in a quest to maintain their challenge at the top end of the Premier League league. Above all, the objective is to avoid interrupting momentum gained on the field and a strong team spirit off it.
Choosing which agreements to sanction, both inbound and exiting, involves considerable analysis. NottinghamshireLive looks at five business opportunities that Forest might pursue before the February 3 deadline.
Yuri Alberto
This particular transfer link has been operational for some time and has already produced several twists and turns. The Reds need to improve up front, and Corinthians forward Alberto is one of the names mentioned as a potential target.
Reports from his nation have claimed a £19 million bid for the Brazilian could be in the offing from Forest. He has also been connected to West Ham United, Everton, Newcastle United, and Brentford.
Alberto has not been hesitant about expressing that his aim is to play in the Premier League. However, he recently stated that he “is very happy” with Corinthians, and there has been speculation that he is keen to stay in the club with the goal of winning trophies.
Ben Godfrey
Nuno Espirito Santo, head coach of the Reds, favors versatile players like Atalanta’s Ben Godfrey. The 26-year-old can play both fullback and central defender.
According to reports, Godfrey has been considered at Forest as a potential source for defensive reinforcements. Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leicester City, and Roma are reportedly reported to have interested in the former Everton player.
Atalanta are thought to be willing to let Godfrey, who cost over £10 million when he moved from Goodison Park this summer, depart. The athlete is said to be looking for “a change of scenery” and “could give priority” to a return to the Premier League.
Lewis O’Brien
The midfielder’s loan with Los Angeles FC concluded on December 31. The MLS team had the option of making his move permanent, and they claimed in November that they were “in talks” to keep him.
It remains to be known if O’Brien will return across the Atlantic. As he considers his next move, he appears to have no shortage of suitors.
Last year, Southampton, Leeds United, West Bromwich Albion, Sheffield United, Stoke City, and Hull City all expressed interest in the 26-year-old. Forest’s to-do list will include finding a move for him by the end of the month.
Emmanuel Dennis
O’Brien is not the only player that could leave this month. The Reds will be eager to arrange a deal for out-of-favour forward Dennis.
The former Watford player was not named in Forest’s 25-man squad for the first half of the Premier League season, and his situation has not changed since. However, everything has been quiet on the gossip front, with Dennis concerned about the lack of linkages to potential suitors.
Andrea Omobamidele
The Reds will consider whether to grant loans to those players who have struggled for regular game time. Omobamidele, a defender, could be one of those who leave for a while.
The centre-back is down the pecking order at the City Ground, having appeared only once for Nuno’s side this season. According to the Telegraph, Omobamidele was a target for numerous clubs prior to the transfer market opening. Leeds United were reportedly interested in him in the summer, with manager Daniel Farke having previously worked with the 22-year-old at Norwich City.
