Nottingham Forest closed the transfer window with virtually little incoming business, although the priority of retaining their key players was correctly addressed.
Tyler Bindon signed for Forest on transfer deadline day, demonstrating Evangelos Marinakis’ future planning, which was reinforced by Forest’s signing of Joel Ndala from Manchester City.
James Ward-Prowse was recalled by West Ham United, but critically, first-team talents like as Murillo and the prolific Chris Wood remained at Forest to see out the fight for European football, with the club sitting third in the Premier League standings heading into the season’s final stretch.
In light of the January transfer window shutting, Nottingham Forest News interviewed football analyst Graeme Bailey for a Q&A session about Forest’s transfer activity as well as the alleged interest in Murillo, which might last into the summer.
Joel Ndala joined Forest on loan initially, with the option to buy in the summer.
Ndala will be used at the Forest Academy for the time being, but there are certainly high expectations for the winger, especially given that he once outperformed Ethan Nwaneri while playing for England.
Graeme discussed Ndala’s prospective inclusion in the Forest first team. That is clearly the hope; they like him and took a chance on him, but he is definitely a future prospect.
Regarding Nuno Espirito Santo’s new contract
Espirito Santo is expected to be offered a new contract at Nottingham Forest
Graeme said… It’s the journal for 2025; they adore his work, and he is overjoyed. I suspect they will want him tied up by the summer, but with this now-critical run-in, they will not want to distract him unless he truly wants it done now.
According to Graeme, Forest were reportedly interested in signing Matheus Cunha and Yoane Wissa during the January transfer window. They liked both players and made an approach for Wissa, but it tested Brentford’s resolve.
Forest were not actively hunting, but they would have taken the right player if he had come up – they are in a good position where quality trumps quantity.
On whether Forest considered signing an experienced winger in January.
Forest were interested in recruiting a wide midfielder, but Marcus Edwards selected Burnley over them on deadline day.
Graeme expressed a general interest in a winger. Not on deadline day; they made it known right away that they were done and dusted. Maybe if they had let Awoniyi leave, but this was never truly considered.
On Chelsea’s interest in Murillo
In the aftermath of deadline day, it was revealed that Chelsea had shown interest in Murillo
Graeme said… They were and are interested, but no bid was made – they asked the question but they are not alone in their admiration of Murillo – we know that every major club in Europe likes him.
However, with his new deal, there is little chance he moves this summer, although it won’t stop clubs from asking.
On the late interest in Elliot Anderson
Elliot Anderson was reportedly the subject of deadline-day interest from Italian giants, AS Roma.
Regarding the rumour’s legitimacy, Graeme stated… According to my understanding, they are very pleased with him, and the player is also doing well; Anderson has little desire to explore fresh pastures.
On whether Forest would regret not spending much in January
It was rumored that Forest could spend in January to ensure European football.
Graeme said… Forest would have had to spend a lot of money to enhance their starting XI, and there were very few players available this month, so acquiring them would have required a large investment.
I don’t consider it a risk at all.
