Nuno Espirito Santo’s new-look squad is beginning to take shape as Nottingham Forest step up their preparations for the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
Four signings have been made so far, in what is an important transfer window for the Reds as they look to kick on in the top-flight. But there is plenty of work still to be done before deadline day on August 30.
Goalkeeper Carlos Miguel became the latest new recruit when he made the switch from Corinthians earlier this week. Versatile youngster Eric da Silva Moreira and midfielder Elliot Anderson had already put pen to paper at the City Ground, as had Marko Stamenic before he headed to Olympiacos for a season-long loan.
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Forest already had the basis of a good group in place from last term. Their work this summer is about building on those foundations.
Several areas of the pitch are still in need of strengthening as Nuno’s team get ready for their first friendly of the summer on Saturday, and there has been no shortage of players linked. Below, our writers give their verdicts on who the Reds should sign next.
Forest reporter Sarah Clapson
It has been a solid start to the transfer window Trentside but the Reds still require cover in a few departments. The top end of the pitch is one area, as is full-back, but bolstering Nuno’s options at centre-back is arguably the most important priority.
As it stands, Forest are thin on the ground in defence. Ideally, Murillo stays put and is at the heart of the back line next season. But even if the club do hang on to him, at least one other centre-back is required.
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A few names have been linked. Lyon’s Jake O’Brien is one. But with talk of him being valued at £30 million, it seems a lot of money to splash out.
Instead, if reports that Udinese want £8-12 million for Jaka Bijol are accurate, that would represent excellent value for money. He would be a terrific addition. At 25, he’s a good age and already has plenty of experience under his belt. He really caught the eye for Slovenia at the Euros.
With those performances in Germany, it is no surprise he is being linked with several clubs. The Reds are said to have enquired about him but could face some serious competition for his signature. If they can fend off Bijol’s other suitors, though, it would be worth it. Forest have had success in making bargain signings recently; at the price mooted, the Slovenian would be another one.
Content editor Brian Dick
I think Forest probably need another goalkeeper, there’s a few still registered at other clubs. However, that shouldn’t be their next priority – while many of the transfer rumours doing the rounds are for defenders like Jake O’Brien or Jaka Bijol they need to pay attention to the other end of the pitch.
Nuno’s teams tend to be well-organised and while the Reds definitely do have to succession plan for whenever Murillo leaves the club – and fill the hole left by Moussa Niakhate’s departure – the head coach has shown himself pretty adept at ‘scheming up’ defensive solidity. What this squad needs is goal threat.
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That means finding an upgrade on Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi. Wood did well in the second half of last season but at 32 he’s not the club’s ‘forever No. 9’. Awoniyi can be a real handful on his day but those days aren’t frequent enough. I like Che Adams as an option but not as the every-game solution. Neither is Kelechi Iheanacho.
If Forest can push the boat out Viktor Gyokeres would be, though. Too expensive? What about Brian Brobbey from Ajax. The big money needs to go up top and if that means cashing in on one of the other prized assets I wouldn’t hesitate.
Content editor James Pallatt
A potential new No.1? Tick. A midfield upgrade? Tick. More firepower? Cross.
Forest look to have already completed some important business in the summer transfer window. Carlos Miguel has arrived from Corinthians to challenge Matz Sels to be first-choice goalkeeper after last season’s problems in that department and Elliot Anderson, the ‘Geordie Maradona’ looks certain to strengthen Nuno’s midfield after joining from Newcastle United.
They should now turn their attention to the striker department where there are one or two wildcard free agent options Nuno could consider, including Anthony Martial. Now I know signing a player released by Manchester United didn’t work out in the case of Jesse Lingard, the one season blunder, but Martial could be worth a shot.
Martial has had more than his fair share of bad luck with injuries, which counts against him, of course, but when he’s fit he is a proven goalscorer in the Premier League, with 63 to his name in the top-flight in United colours, and his pace could transform a Forest attack.
Flanked by Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga, who he played with at Old Trafford, and with Morgan Gibbs-White in behind, the Reds would have a fearsome frontline. Just imagine that quartet ripping it up in front of the Trent End.
