This is an important summer transfer window for Nottingham Forest as they prepare to test themselves on the European stage.
For the first time in three decades, the Reds will compete on the continent in 2025/26 after qualifying for the UEFA Conference League. Following last term’s seventh-placed finish in the Premier League and run to the FA Cup semi-finals, they will also be aiming to maintain their progress on the domestic front.
All of that means ensuring head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has the right squad in place is crucial. Balance and strength in depth will be key for Forest in navigating new challenges.
The opening weeks of the window have seen very little by way of movement, either in or out, at the City Ground. But don’t expect the situation to remain that way for long.
Arrivals and departures are on the cards in the coming weeks, with the Reds having until the September 1 deadline to do business. Below, NottinghamshireLive delivers our verdict on some of the latest Forest transfer rumours.
Henderson headhunted
The Reds are said to have former Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson on their radar in a bid to bolster their options in the centre of the pitch. The 35-year-old looks set to leave Ajax this summer, and the City Ground has emerged as a potential destination.
Henderson reportedly has a clause in his contract that could allow him to move on as a free agent. Forest are said to be keeping an eye on his situation, although they are not the only ones with an interest in the England international.
Marseille are among the European clubs said to be keen on Henderson. He has also been tipped to join newly-promoted Sunderland, where he came up through the academy ranks.
NottinghamshireLive says: The Reds have had some success in the free agent market. Case in point - and a shining example - is full-back Ola Aina.
Not a single penny was paid in transfer fees when the Nigeria international put pen to paper two years ago. He will go down as one of the best free signings Forest have ever made and has been integral to their progress since then, with the promise of plenty more to come.
Henderson is different, though. He is 35 and is coming towards the end of his career.
Nuno needs a mix of youth and experience in his dressing room, and there is no doubt Henderson would provide the latter. His leadership skills remain a valuable asset, as identified by Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel.
But the Reds have other players who can step up to the plate on that front. They can also target younger signings with European know-how and plenty of games in their legs. Other options are available.
Getting the midfield set-up right will be crucial as Forest look to kick on again next term. Nuno needs to be able to rotate and he needs a combination of midfielders with different strengths.
It looks as though Danilo will be on his way out at some point, but Henderson shouldn’t be the answer to fill that particular gap. Pursuing the former Liverpool man would be the wrong route for the Reds.
Elanga interest
After failing to land Reds ace Anthony Elanga last summer, Newcastle United are back in for the winger. And it appears they are as keen to get their hands on him as ever - just for what they consider to be the right price.
The Magpies’ valuation of the Sweden international seemingly doesn’t tally with Forest’s, however. Earlier this week, the latter batted away a £45 million offer for Elanga from their Premier League rivals.
At present, the suggestion is Newcastle have not been discouraged. Some reports have claimed the St James’ Park outfit believe the player is keen on a move to the north east and they could be willing to go up to £50m in an effort to sign him.
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NottinghamshireLive says: At the beginning of last season, Elanga’s form dipped when it became known the Magpies were interested in him. A deadline day offer was rejected by Forest and the 23-year-old eventually went on to have a fantastic campaign.
Only Elanga will know whether the talk about his future affected his performances. Regardless, a repeat scenario cannot be allowed to happen this time around.
It is why Nuno would prefer the transfer window to close before the season starts. He knows rumours and speculation have the potential to be unsettling.
The Reds hold the cards where Elanga is concerned. He is under contract until 2028 and the club are not under financial pressure to sell. That isn’t to say they won’t, but any business will be on their terms.
Forest have no desire to let go of their prized assets - Elanga included. The former Manchester United man has thrived on the banks of the Trent and is crucial to the way the Reds play under Nuno.
Ideally, Forest retain their star men this summer and build around them. The club’s resolve to retain Elanga’s services may well be tested again, but Newcastle should know a significant offer would be needed for the Reds to even consider letting the wide man go.
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