As deadline day approaches, Nottingham Forest understands the importance of getting their January transfer business right.
The Reds are third in the Premier League and have a nine-game unbeaten streak in all competitions. They will be seeking to extend that record when they make the trip to play Bournemouth on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad does not require much tinkering before the window closes on February 3. With that in mind, NottinghamshireLive looks at the transfer situations that Forest will want to avoid.
Stars depart.
For Nuno, the summer window was as much about missed opportunities as it was about completed ones. The Portuguese valued both player retention and squad expansion equally.
He will be hoping for the same thing this month. The Reds are on a roll and want to build on their success. Avoiding too much interruption is the aim.
As a result, losing important players would be the worst-case situation. Forest is doing well, which means players are garnering the attention of potential suitors. Murillo, Anthony Elanga, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Morgan Gibbs-White continue to be admired.
Getting Murillo signed to a new contract earlier this week was a clear statement of purpose from the club. They are well positioned to retain their finest assets, but could do without any unpleasant transfer rumors. And a repetition of a last-minute bid, as was the case with Elanga when Newcastle United tried their luck on deadline day in August, would be undesirable, as no team wants to be left making such a major decision with the clock ticking.
No striker.
The Reds’ failure to sign a striker in the summer has had little impact on their performance in the first half of the season. They’ve done well so far with only Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi as out-and-out forwards.
Nonetheless, expanding Nuno’s alternatives will be a priority this month. Coverage is required in case Forest suffers an injury, especially as Awoniyi is yet to reach his peak form this season.
It wouldn’t be a tragedy if the club didn’t reach an agreement, but it is the one area that requires the greatest attention. A significant factor will be avoiding paying too much; Forest refused to spend money for the sake of it in August, and they will not want to be held hostage this time. It is why the potential of spending heavily to pursue players like as Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha will be carefully considered.
Panic buying.
The summer window at the City Ground was marked by prudent business. The Reds negotiated some outstanding deals, and the majority of their recruits have proven to be fantastic additions.
This month’s goal is to follow the same type of template. Forest should avoid last-minute panic shopping.
Both owner Evangelos Marinakis and Nuno have emphasized the necessity of preserving the status quo. The dressing area does not require a huge revamp; in fact, Forest are aware that too many modifications could have a negative impact.
Anything that has the potential to disrupt the momentum established on the field and a strong team spirit should be avoided. That is why Nuno considers a player’s characteristics as well as his quality when evaluating targets.
