Two players will see their Nottingham Forest contracts officially come to an end today.
June 30 marks the cut-off date for deals due to expire after the 2024/25 season. And that means two Reds players will officially become free agents after today.
The departure of left-back Harry Toffolo was confirmed earlier this month, when Forest published their retained list. In his three years at the City Ground the defender became a fans’ favourite and earned cult hero status with a clearance from off the line against Tottenham Hotspur last season.
Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey will also see his contract run out today. The Reds have been in talks with the Welshman about his future role at the club, which would likely be in a coaching capacity. He was offered something similar with Wales Under-21s earlier this year, so it remains to be seen what route the 38-year-old goes down.
It has been a quiet start to the window for Forest amid an anticipated dressing room reshuffle. They are yet to make any signings, although they have seen centre-back Willy Boly agree a new deal to keep him Trentside until next summer.
Fellow defender Andrew Omobamidele has been the only departure of note so far. The former Norwich City man has signed for Strasbourg on a permanent basis after a loan spell with the French side last season.
But transfer activity looks set to ramp up in the coming weeks as the start of the new campaign edges closer. Striker Igor Jesus could be the first arrival through the door, with his expected move from Botafogo in line for completion now the Brazilian side are out of the Club World Cup.
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Reports from Brazil have suggested a meeting to decide the future of Jesus’ teammate Jair Cunha will take place early this week. Forest are keen on signing the centre-back and the word from his homeland is a move is ‘close’.
There are doubts about whether it will be a trio of additions from Botafogo, however. The Reds have also had their eye on left-back Cuiabano, but Brighton and Hove Albion have been credited with an interest in him.
Over the weekend, reports from Spain claimed Forest had agreed terms with Mallorca right-back Pablo Maffeo. An update provided by Spanish newspaper Marca (via Sport Witness) suggests a €10 million (£8.5m) fee would be required to secure the services of a player who also has interest from other clubs in Spain and in Russia.
In terms of potential outgoings, a move to Palmeiras is on the cards for Ramon Sosa. Fellow winger Jota Silva has also been the subject of speculation about his future.
The big question, however, surrounds whether the Reds will manage to keep hold of their prized assets. Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has a strong group already in place but some players have been catching the eye of other clubs.
Manchester City’s interest in Morgan Gibbs-White appears to have cooled but the England international does have other admirers. Meanwhile, a bid has already been rejected from Newcastle United for Anthony Elanga.
The Magpies had their sights on the wide man 12 months ago and have come calling once again. The suggestion is they haven’t been put off, though, and could return with another offer.
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