It’s no secret that Nottingham Forest tend to be linked with incredible amounts of players during a transfer window – last season’s huge spending & influx of players probably encouraged this more. This Summer however, Nottingham Forest fans can expect a different strategy, one of shrewd business, and focusing on “quality over quantity” – and while that isn’t to say Forest didn’t bring in quality last summer, the focus is less on adding more personnel, but rather adding more quality to the areas still lacking. Given this, which of the links could actually materialise?
Firstly, what can we expect this summer from the recruitment team?
I briefly summarised it above: this Summer, the recruitment plan, I can imagine will be & hope will be, one of significant planning over the course of the break, looking at players who can “fill the gaps”, whether that be as a player for squad depth, or someone ready to make an impact in the first team. This window is all about quality, of course it’s about Premier League survival, always, but sustaining a long-term Premier League presence, and climbing the table is the real ambition – if others can do it, why can’t Forest?
Villa did it. Brighton did it. Newcastle United did it. Three teams that faced major challenges, but built well – all at different paces, but now all with European football – Nottingham Forest can absolutely achieve similar feats, but recruitment & attrition are key. As well as the “in’s”, there must be outs – not only to raise funds, and reduce wages, but to improve collective mentality.
Who are the players linked with a “concrete chance” of becoming a Forest player this Summer?
There are a few names, many of them coming most recently. It is important to stress that this is based on my opinion, which takes into account various reports, the finances involved & competition for the players.
Ibrahim Sangare – The superb Midfielder who, I believe, would be the most sensible transfer Nottingham Forest could make this season, after two new Goalkeepers. Sangare has excelled at the highest-level of Dutch football, featuring 87 times for the Dutch giants. He plays as both a Central Defensive-Midfielder (6) & Central Midfielder (8), possessing attributes particularly in the air, with his passing, physicality, and all-round technicality – Forest need a CDM like this, Sangare would be such a good transfer. Daniel Taylor [The Athletic FC] says that Sangare’s agent met with Nottingham Forest representatives in Athens in the week, but nothing more on this since – the club have chased his signature since last summer. I believe the club has a good chance at signing him, but it will be a near club-record fee if so.
Willian Borges – A former Europa League winner, playing for Chelsea, Arsenal and most recently Fulham, Willian is of high-priority for Nottingham Forest. A link that many didn’t expect, social media was rife with rumours of a medical, and denials of that – the situation is unclear at the moment, but Fabrizio Romano believes that Forest have offered the best “package” to Willian in comparison to Fulham & Saudi proposals – but no deal done yet. This deal seems fairly likely – Forest offering pretty much guaranteed gametime, and high wages, on a two-year deal. 34-years old, but still performing to a high level – paired with a younger Left-Winger, I think it would work well – I can’t see Dennis staying.
Carlos Borges – The young Manchester City prospect, smashing it in the Premier League 2, of which he won the award for Player Of The Year for the division last season, scoring 21 times, assisting 10. Lack of mens football is a concern, but despite that, Steve Cooper holds him in high regard, and there is belief a deal could be done – Forest highly admire the Portuguese forward. A potential fee of £10M, with a buy-back/hefty sell-on clause could materialise – but nothing is close yet. I do think there is a chance though, definitely.
Matheus Nascimento – A young Brazilian forward, who currently plays for Brazilian Serie A side, Botafogo. He typically plays as a Centre-forward, and has been given high praise by many journalists – Real Madrid have followed the 19-year old for two years, but never went further with said interest. According to reports from Brazil, Nottingham Forest have made a roughly £7m bid for him. I believe there is a chance of this signing materialising, but wouldn’t say quite as much as the other names mentioned on this list.
Lucas Digne – Nottingham Forest will definitely not sign Renan Lodi this Summer – his move to Marseille was confirmed in recent days, joining the French side for roughly £11m. Harry Toffolo is also likely to face a huge ban, after alleged betting rules misconduct. Therefore, the search for a left-back continues – Lucas Digne is a name mentioned, John Percy reveals, with wages of £120k per week the stumbling block. I’m not overly keen on this, after some research. It doesn’t overly inspire me looking at his age, record, and injuries. I’d say that there is a chance, but a low one.
Callum Hudson-Odoi – A bit of a tricky one. With Willian seemingly the “closest” out of any to signing, with a proposal already sent to his representatives (as he’s a free agent), there is a possibility that Hudson-Odoi could go the other way and join Fulham should Willian join Forest. While this is a chance, there aren’t many reports on this, more so speculation – it would however be interesting to see Willian & Hudson-Odoi at Forest, I just doubt that would ever happen. Talks between Hudson-Odoi’s representatives and those of Nottingham Forest went well, but Chelsea aren’t sure on how they intend to deal with the financial side of the deal – more to come.
Dean Henderson – Probably the deal I’d expect to be done first – a Goalkeeper who knows the club, the players/coaches, and the fans – he’s a fan favourite, and a priority signing for the club which is undergoing somewhat of a “crisis” in the goalkeeper position. Horvath on his way out, most likely, and Hennessey assumed to be new 3rd GK, the need for Henderson is crucial now more than ever. He’s now a property owner in Nottingham, and as soon as the Andre Onana to Manchester United deal is complete, you can pretty soon expect Henderson in a Forest shirt – it could be this coming week. My understanding is that the fee will be around £20m.
Jose Sa – One with certainly concrete chance, and concrete interest – the Telegraph’s John Percy revealed that Nottingham Forest are keen on the Wolves Goalkeeper, who could act as a backup to Dean Henderson. An experienced Premier League keeper himself, Sa would be a great addition – having two quality goalkeepers at Forest’s disposal is crucial, especially if Cooper’s side are looking to solidify their position in the Premier League, and beyond.
Opinion-based “probability of signing table?”
Sure, why not. Not to say the interest has gone further, but here is my opinion-based probability of signing – it is purely hypothetical (1 [most likely] 8 [Least likely]):
- Dean Henderson
- Willian Borges
- Ibrahim Sangare
- Carlos Borges
- Callum Hudson-Odoi
- Jose Sa
- Lucas Digne
- Matheus Nascimento
The only deal that is pretty much done is that of Dean Henderson, the rest have much work still to be done. This table just shows the likelihood of signing in comparison to one another.
What about other players linked?
Some links are rather tenuous. The players mentioned above all have reputable sources claiming interest, or further, in them by Nottingham Forest. Links are common, as mentioned, but often agents are able to use the idea of “Forest’s interest” as a way to speed up deals – it’s common practice within football, many links have to be taken with a “pinch of salt”.
Final Thoughts?
This next fortnight will be a busy one for the Reds. There is undeniably frustration within the fanbase at the lack of transfer activity, and such is understandable, but Forest are working on many deals at once – I’d anticipate a busy period for Forest’s headlights very soon. Some of the names mentioned above would be excellent additions.
*Article provided by Jamie Martin (Head Nottingham Forest Correspondent).
*Main image @NFFC Goalkeeper Dean Henderson is hopeful of a return to Forest.
An excellent article Jamie and very well written. You forgot to mention the CBs we have been linked with over the last 6 weeks or so,also Iheanacho that was everywhere a week ago but seems to have fizzled out luckily. If we want to reach that next level we need better than him,or Adams from Southampton.
Anyway keep up the good work mate. All the best.