10 Transfer Moves Shaping Nottingham Forest's Future Direction
Nottingham Forest only has one more match left in the Premier League season before they focus entirely on a crucial summer transfer window.
A spot in the Champions League is up for grabs. When the Reds welcome Chelsea for an exciting finale on Sunday at 4 pm kickoff, both teams retain hopes of nabbing a top-five position necessary for qualification into Europe’s prestigious club tournament.
After finding out which European competition they'll participate in next season, Forest's planning can begin in earnest. But whatever happens, some big decisions will need to be made when it comes to tweaking head coach Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad.
- Nottingham Forest transfer latest as Man City hero rates MGW as new KDB and striker 'evaluated'
- Morgan Gibbs-White has communicated his desire for a move to Nottingham Forest as he seeks to settle scores with England.
The Portuguese prefers to work with a small group but he will need to make sure he has sufficient strength in depth to cope with competing on multiple fronts. Will that mean some of those Reds players who have been plying their trade elsewhere might have a part to play? Below, assesses the futures of the club's first-team loanees.
Matt Turner (Crystal Palace): When the American reached the City Ground After joining Arsenal during the summer of 2023, he emphasized his desire to get game time. Now, with his successful FA Cup period at Selhurst Park concluding, will he accept a backup role with the Reds? Given this situation, uncertainty surrounds his prospects at Trentside.
Jonathan Panzo (Rio Ave): The defender has never really had the opportunity to show what he is about in the Garibaldi, and it seems unlikely he will get that chance now as his contract is coming to an end. Hampered by injury during his season-long spell with fellow Evangelos Marinakis -owned outfit Rio Ave this term.
Omar Richards (Rio Ave): The 2024/25 season was always destined to be a significant one for the defender following a challenging few years marred by injuries. Since joining the Reds from Bayern Munich during the summer of 2022, he has managed to secure quite a few opportunities to play while in Portugal, aiming to regain his form and strength. It’s yet to be determined if this will suffice for him to handle the challenges of the Premier League. In the summertime, Forest plans to evaluate their choices for left-backs, which suggests an important decision awaits regarding whether Richards can still contribute significantly.
Andrew Omobamidele (Strasbourg): Well-respected as he may be, the central defender still found himself toward the bottom of the priority list for most of this season’s early months. A change to France occurred in January. With the aim of securing increased playing time, the Ligue 1 club has the choice to convert this young player's loan into a permanent transfer. Any decisions regarding his future hinge on whether they choose to do so. Additionally, Leeds United have shown interest.
David Carmo (Olympiacos): Reds supporters have not had a chance to see what the defender He promptly left for Greece following his signing at Porto last summer. During this current loan period with Olympiacos owned by Marinakis, he has often found himself playing regularly. His past experiences in Europe could be an asset when Nottingham Forest evaluates their options for central defenders come summertime.
Tyler Bindon (Reading): No one doubts that the Reds have identified a promising talent in this young player from New Zealand. The 20-year-old is expected to make significant strides forward. And kept shining for the Royals, following his return to the League One club after signing with Forest just before the winter transfer window ended. The main query now is whether he’s prepared to move up and join a Premier League team full-time or if another loan spell would better aid his growth. Nuno will likely want to observe this young player during preseason training.
Lewis O’Brien (Swansea City): The midfielder has had a succession of loans since he joined Forest in July 2022. He viewed his winter move to Wales as a chance to get his career back on track Following the conclusion of his stint with Los Angeles FC in late 2024, they decided against offering him a permanent contract. Given that the midfield is quite competitive for spots among the Reds, it wouldn’t be surprising to see O'Brien seeking opportunities elsewhere this summer. Reports suggest that both Valencia and Wrexham are interested in signing him, and there’s also interest from Swansea who might look to bring him back into their fold.
Josh Bowler (Luton Town): Like O'Brien, the winger experienced multiple loan spells after joining the City Ground in 2022. Securing regular playing time was challenging this season, initially at Preston North End followed by stints with Luton Town. Bowler hasn’t made a competitive appearance for Nottingham Forest yet and it seems unlikely that will change soon.
Marko Stamenic (Olympiacos): Back and forth with the squad in Greece, after joining Olympiacos on loan following his signing with Forest earlier last year. This upcoming pre-season will be crucial for the 23-year-old midfielder as he aims to grab Nuno’s attention in a position where the club has numerous choices.
Emmanuel Dennis (Blackburn Rovers): It was telling that the 27-year-old Wasn’t part of Forest’s 25-player roster during the initial phase of the season, and later went on loan in February even though the team was trying to bolster their offensive options. It appears improbable that Dennis will manage to reclaim his spot upon returning to his parent club.
Post a Comment for "10 Transfer Moves Shaping Nottingham Forest's Future Direction"