Nuno Espirito Santo is expected to join Nottingham Forest in the January transfer window, according to the latest Nottingham Forest news.
The first few weeks of January may have set the tone for Nottingham Forest’s transfer window.
The primary focus would always be on overseeing outgoings. That was the situation while Steve Cooper was in charge, and Nuno Espirito Santo has made it clear that he wants to work with a smaller group since taking over as head coach last month.
The Reds have made a start in that regard, with Gustavo Scarpa joining Atletico Mineiro for £4 million and Andrey Santos returning to parent club Chelsea. Others will follow suit.
Nuno has stated that “hard decisions” concerning who remains and who goes must be made. But first, he wanted to properly examine his roster, ensuring that it was a blank slate for all players.
“That’s obvious,” Nuno stated last week when asked about his bloated dressing room. “For the time being, we must concentrate on the players who are present.” It is our job to try to provide every player a chance to progress.
“I truly believe they can improve as individuals.” We’ve seen players that are in a good place, and it will be a terrific opportunity for everyone. Then comes the time to make decisions about the team and other matters. For the time being, we’re focusing on how we can improve them in order for them to do better for Forest.”
Divock Origi, Nuno Tavares, and Gonzalo Montiel, Santos’ fellow loanees, have all been linked with returns to their respective clubs. However, in Montiel’s case, his recent remarkable form may have changed the situation. He drew attention with his performances against Newcastle United and Manchester United, Argentine countryman Nicolas Dominguez was put up for the opener versus the latter.
Montiel has struggled for playing time under Cooper, but he may potentially have a role to play under Nuno. Similarly, defender Joe Worrall.
Worrall’s future is still uncertain, and he has fans, but he has been pulled back into the fold by the Portuguese manager. With Willy Boly and Moussa Niakhate on international service at the Africa Cup of Nations, and Felipe injured, the Nigel Doughty Academy graduate is set to be called into action, at least in the short term.
However, Scott McKenna’s condition is unlikely to change. The promotion winner’s contract expires in the summer and he appears to be on his way out this month. Celtic are among the clubs interested in signing him.
Forest are looking to add depth at the back. They are looking for a right-sided Murillo, a defender who is comfortable on the ball and can pick a pass. According to reports in Brazil, they were close to signing Nino from Fluminense, but he is now expected to join Zenit St Petersburg.
Increasing Nuno’s attacking resources would also be beneficial. The Reds, on the other hand, will have to be astute with their business given their financial condition is currently under the limelight.
The forest does not require another major overhaul. They might be able to get by with a few critical additions. Indeed, while a striker was once a priority, Nuno’s acquisition of Chris Wood alleviates some of the need for forward reinforcements. Taiwo Awoniyi could possibly return from groin surgery sooner than expected, adding to the argument over whether another forward is genuinely required.
It remains to be seen whether Nuno believes a new goalkeeper is necessary. Summer additions Matt Turner and Odysseas Vlachodimos have not impressed, but with funds limited and other areas to target, the Reds may shift their focus elsewhere.
In addition to Financial Fair Play, the absence of six players for the Africa Cup of Nations will have an influence on the club’s preparations. Depending on how their countries go, Niakhate, Boly, Cheikhou Kouyate, Serge Aurier, Ibrahim Sangare, and Ola Aina might miss up to four Premier League games. Forest will not want to be short of options in certain places, therefore players who were previously considered prospective departures may still be necessary to participate.
Nonetheless, loans may be viewed as the greatest way to develop young players like Brandon Aguilera and George Shelvey. Goalkeeper Ethan Horvath is also expected to leave after being left out of the 25-man team and having his contract expire in the summer.
