It doesn’t seem like it’s been long since Nottingham Forest’s hectic summer deadline day, but the January transfer window is quickly approaching.
When the window reopens, the Reds are unlikely to have to do much work. They brought in 13 new players throughout the summer, with the majority of them making an impact in the Premier League.
However, with the club eager to make progress this season, January might still be a crucial month. There’s still a long way to go, and a lot can change, but we take a look at what Forest might be looking to transfer.
“Enhancing Offensive Capabilities
In the summer, the Reds strengthened their attacking prowess by bringing in forward Divock Origi on loan from AC Milan and adding Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi to their squad. However, the loss of Taiwo Awoniyi due to injury for a month has dealt a significant blow to their front line. This setback highlights the need for Nottingham Forest to revisit their offensive options in January.
Lately, they have struggled to convert their promising build-up play into goals. Steve Cooper’s team hasn’t scored more than once in a game since their 3-2 defeat against Manchester United in August, managing only three goals in their last five league matches. It’s clear that improving their scoring ability is a priority for the Reds.
It’s important to note that the team is still in the process of coming together, and players are still adapting to each other. There’s a sense that once they fully harmonize, Nottingham Forest could become a potent attacking force.
The international break might mean that Awoniyi won’t miss too many games, but given his previous injury history, the club should consider how much cover they have for the future. Chris Wood and Origi are different types of strikers, and their ability to fill the void during Awoniyi’s absence remains uncertain, potentially influencing the club’s plans for the winter transfer window.
Departure of Goalkeeper
During the summer, Forest’s focus was not only on new signings but also on trimming their squad. They managed to reduce their numbers efficiently, finding loan or permanent moves for several fringe players who didn’t make the 25-man Premier League squad. However, Ethan Horvath was an exception.
Horvath had a successful loan spell at Luton Town the previous season, and it was expected that Luton Town would sign him on a permanent basis. However, that didn’t materialize, and Forest, despite bringing in Matt Turner and Odysseas Vlachodimos, couldn’t secure an alternative move for him.
Chris Cooper mentioned that the ideal scenario for Horvath would be to continue playing football, either with Forest or elsewhere. But as it stands, that isn’t the case. With Horvath’s contract expiring next summer, January represents Forest’s final opportunity to secure some compensation for him. Several other players, including Scott McKenna, Willy Boly, Serge Aurier, Felipe, and Wood, are also in a similar contractual situation, requiring the club to make decisions about offering fresh terms.
Seeking Loan Opportunities
After making 13 signings during the summer transfer window, Nottingham Forest boasts good depth in their squad. However, Coach Cooper prefers a relatively stable starting lineup, which can make it challenging for new players to break into the team.
This is particularly evident in the case of Brandon Aguilera, a 20-year-old talent who made a strong impression during pre-season but has seen limited first-team action this season. Cooper has expressed that Aguilera’s situation will be reassessed in January, with the possibility of a loan being considered to aid his development.
Young goalkeeper George Shelvey is another player who might benefit from a loan move. He has expressed a desire to play regularly and is open to the idea of a loan spell.”
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