Nottingham Forest have a big January transfer window coming up as they aim to build on their fine start to the season.
Thanks to some excellent work done in the summer, the Reds do not need to do too much business next month. But they will know a few key deals could make a difference amid talk of pushing for a European place this term.
Transfer windows are always difficult to predict as best-laid plans can go to waste and anything can happen from the start to the end of the month. Nevertheless, below NottinghamshireLive gives our verdict on how January might pan out for Forest.
Transfer talk
It would be no surprise if some of Forest’s prized assets attract attention. It comes with the territory when a team is doing well and players are impressing.
The Reds had to contend with plenty of speculation about their star men in the summer. The likes of Murillo, Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi were all the subject of transfer talk. Expect the same again this time around as the rumour mill can often go into overdrive in January.
However, head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has stressed several times how important it was that the club retained the bulk of their squad in the summer. For the Portuguese, hanging on to the core of his dressing room was as important as bringing in new signings.
He will be hoping for a repeat scenario next month. And with the team flying high in the table, Forest will surely be determined to fend off any potential suitors. It would surely be unwise to rule out the club’s resolve being put to the test at some point, though.
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Key signing
Minimal tweaking to the squad is required next month. After all, the foundations are already in place and the Reds have strength in depth in most areas.
Moreover, owner Evangelos Marinakis has already admitted finances will come into play as the club are eager not to fall foul of the rules again after last term’s points deduction. “We have the Financial Fair Play that restricts us from unlimited spending,” the Greek has said.
Getting a striker in could make a real difference, though. Chris Wood has been superb, but he could do with some support in sharing the goalscoring burden - particularly as Taiwo Awoniyi is yet to really get going this term.
Forest have a good track record for uncovering hidden gems and overseeing bargain deals in recent windows. Although they missed out on a forward in the summer, refusing to splash the cash for the sake of it was a sensible decision.
A similar approach will no doubt be taken in the new year, with the club keen to spend wisely. The South American market is one they have utilised well, so perhaps they will turn their attention there once more - after all Corinthians’ Yuri Alberto and Botafogo’s Igor Jesus are two players to have been linked with moves to the City Ground.
Deadline day drama?
The shortened timeframe of January windows can sometimes make for a manic few weeks. It is not necessarily easy to get deals done early, which can make for hectic deadline days.
Clubs have until 11pm on Monday, February 3 to get their business done. But what odds on Forest getting most of their work wrapped up before then?
They have had busy finishes to windows in the past, but maybe this time will be different - especially if their to-do list isn’t a lengthy one in the first place. They do not need to make too many signings and only a few exits are likely to be on the cards, so it could be a relatively quiet month Trentside in general.
The recruitment staff to have their feet up and an early night on February 3? Surely not! It wouldn’t be Forest without a few transfer twists and turns. Even if deadline days is less dramatic than in the past, never rule out the odd surprise!
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