Has Reds Window Been Best Yet?

Jamie Martin asks is this Forest’s best transfer window since Premier League return?

It’s done, it’s confirmed, all the late twists and turns have either formalised, or failed. The window is officially over. And while the need for a “frontman” hasn’t been resolved with a transfer in this window, Forest still have options, and could still add in the coming weeks. With all that said though, Forest’s additions in this window have been nothing short of excellent – across the board. From a towering Goalkeeper option to challenge Sels, new First-team/competing defenders, experienced & upcoming midfielders, to dynamic attackers, it’s been a good window. For me, it could go down as the best window since the return to the top division – and by “best” I don’t just mean the quality added, but Forest’s attitude to the market, resistance to overpay, and the return on investment.

Forest have matured into the demands of the Premier League, and Nuno Espírito Santo’s side aren’t here to simply establish.

A turbulent start

It’s fair to stay that way Forest’s start to Premier League life was turbulent; 40+ signings, over £150m spent, and a number of failed transfers.

Media coverage of the first two seasons, I believe, had an impact on the club, and rather than simply resisting criticism, Forest absorbed it, took “digs” from pundits, organisations, rivals, etc – but did so in their stride, and were resistant, carrying on with their plans to see the club become sustainable.

Forest were dealt misfortunes: Richards’ injury, O’Brien’s fall from good form, and other players simply failing to adapt to Premier League life, its demands, and indeed the clubs ambition.

Lessons learned, and despite some seeing Forest’s recruitment strategy back then as a “laughing stock,” Forest have evolved, and despite the turbulent start, the club are forging a strong future, with perhaps their best window since returning to the top division.

Summer, 2024

This summer, the Reds added 11 players to their squad, with two of those joining Olympiacos on loan – Marko Stamenić, midfielder, and David Carmo, Defender.

With those nine players going to the Forest first team comes incredible quality; players who’ve reached European football, upcoming talents, and in general high potential. The average age of the nine aforementioned first team signings made in this window is 24.6 – an age range that, typically, represents a player with first team experience, while having longevity & potential to grow even further in their career. Furthermore, from a financial standpoint, across all eleven signings, Forest have a NET spend of just £18m after the sales of a number of fringe players, and more high-profile sales of Mangala & Niakhaté, which raised huge funds. So, from a perspective of player health, ability & potential mixed with a rather small NET investment, this shows signs of how a sustainable club operates in the market.

If Forest are buying players at lower fees, of a good age, not only do they have the option to keep a player at the club for longer, at a top level, but also the ability for recovery of transfer fee, wages, and later a profit. It has been noted by a number of media outlets that Forest are inspired by Brighton and how they operate as a “selling club” while actively having some of the most talented players in the Premier League season upon season — that’s what Forest aspire to have. If done right, it can yield incredible results on and off the pitch.

While I’m in strong belief that Forest will make a major sale next summer, the additions they made made strengthen almost every area, allowing for sales to be made in the future, and in current time, provide incredible strength in depth.

The additions

Again, we will only include the players joining Forest – however, it must be said: Stamenić offers a strong build, good in the build up, an asset in midfield & David Carmo, it goes without saying, a very steady left-sided defender. Both are on loan at Olympiacos until June.

Eric da Silva Moreira – A young, strong, tall fullback/wingback who could make his way into the team in the next season or two for regular game time, I think. Excellent in the cup loss to Newcastle, growing into the game well, and gaging his position & style of play his team adopts. Strong in his defending, and sharp in his attacking, for just over £1m, this was an underrated piece of business.

Carlos Miguel – This purchase has some mystery to it; game time isn’t a given, and Sels’ efforts last season have earned him the spot as number 1. Miguel, formerly Corinthians, stands at 6ft8, and despite is height is incredibly agile, but with little game time so far, it remains to be seen when he will make his Premier League debut, and further compete for the “top spot”. At just £4m, it’s a smart deal, and I believe when he gets the chance, he will do well in the Premier League. That price, for a frailty young Goalkeeper, is good business.

Elliot Anderson – This piece of business cannot be ignored. Some say he cost £30m, but the actual figure is more so around the £15m, with add-ons to be expected, as per the Telegraph. Anderson is versatile: a strong-tackling six, an engine as the eight, and skilful on the ball as the ten – lots of roles he can play, up to a high standard. Forest couldn’t quite believe they would pull this deal off this summer – they knew of his quality for a long time. Now in the England u21 setup, his stock is rising, slowly but surely. He could be the best signing of the summer.

Nikola Milenković – Standing at 6ft5, and with considerable stature, Milenković is another dream of the recruitment team. Strong in his challenges, and with a real calmness on the ball in general play, he’s the ideal centre-back partnership for Murillo, I think. His positioning mixed with great aerial ability makes it hard for players to not only run past him, but beat him in the air. For just £12m, this business is once again, fantastic.

Jota Silva – While only small, and having not played necessarily at the same level of the Premier League, since arriving from Vitoria Guimaraes, Silva featured in pre-season, with minimal impact, however on his cup debut at the City Ground, he ran the Toon ragged, even scoring. The drive, energy, and passion is what Forest need, and it provides harsh competition for Elanga, for whom isn’t in the greatest of form. Another good addition of a player who dreamed of Premier League football.

Ramón Sosa – A deal that took seemingly forever to get over the line, but was worth every minute of negotiation. Rising up the ranks in Paraguay & Argentina, Sosa built his name as one of the great prospects of South America – now aged 24, he has achieved his dream of reaching the Premier League, and creating prosperity for his family. An awe-inspiring individual with great drive, pace, and once again passion, for his new club. This signing excites me, and I think Hudson-Odoi has more competition than people may first think.

Alex Moreno – Now this deal is one I wanted the first year back in the top division – of course, he signed for Villa, but even though its later down the line, this is great loan business from Forest. A natural left-footer at left-back, he could look to push Aina out of his place as a starter, using his skills of overlapping & crossing, while also having a good set-piece skillset. An attacking fullback with pedigree at the top level, on loan, this is a good signing.

Morato – Morato is a left-sided centre-back, learning his trade in recent years at Portuguese giants Benfica. Forest’s interest, as mentioned before, extends over many seasons, and at just £15m, Forest have added a real prospect to their ranks, with a possible Murillo departure next summer. Smart business, great price.

Ward-Prowse – Another sighing that excites me, a “cherry on the top” of Forest’s shrewd summer business. Forest had a set-piece problem, you say? Look no further. One of the best in the league for set-pieces – I remember being in B-Block during Forest’s 4-3 win over Southampton, and not for one moment did I stand still until the whistle went. The pure anxiety his set-pieces create is incredible – having a nightmare like that for the opposition, is such an asset to Forest. A good replacement for the injured Danilo, with a well structured loan deal.

In case you couldn’t sense my excitement in the article, It’s fair to say I think this season will be a stark improvement from the last. Forest’s recruitment has matured, evolved, and improved beyond belief — the clubs structure, lead on transfers by Ross Wilson, has done some incredibly underrated business.

I won’t comment on the media narrative, as it is irrelevant – the less noise the better. Shrewd work with incomings, shrewd work with outgoings, I think this is Forest’s best window since the Premier League return, by far.