Anthony Elanga’s move to Newcastle United is nearing completion, leaving Nottingham Forest in a scramble to replace his attacking output.
With Forest waiting for Newcastle to present a £60m package for Elanga, which could come with the inclusion of bonuses to see the deal over the line, attention will now turn to finding his replacement.
The specifics of the fee are critical as Forest will owe 20% of the Elanga fee to Manchester United, so ensuring that the deal is worth the £60m demanded will be essential to Forest funding an adequate replacement.
However, still at the City Ground is a fringe player who, while not fully impressing Nuno Espírito Santo in his time at Forest so far, could be handed a lifeline in response to the Elanga news.
Jota Silva celebrates Nottingham Forest's Premier League win over West Ham United
Photo by Jon Hobley | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Jota Silva could be offered a clean slate at Nottingham Forest
Having to settle for just five Premier League starts last season, Jota Silva never complained about his role at Forest, highlighting an impressive attitude.
This attitude may well have provided him with a lifeline at the club, as with Elanga departing, it leaves Jota as the only recognised right-winger left in the squad.
Espírito Santo wants to sign two wingers to bolster his playing staff amid the news of Elanga leaving and Ramon Sosa’s departure to Palmeiras following close behind.
However, the need for a higher calibre of signing to replace Elanga may mean that Jota’s position at Forest is safer than first thought, with most assuming that the Portuguese winger would follow Sosa’s footsteps out the door.
Appearances Goals Assists
Jota Silva for Vitoria de Guimaraes (23/24) 42 15 5
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In his final season before joining Forest, Jota produced numbers at the level that would make him an ideal candidate to add to the squad in the current circumstances, meaning that Evangelos Marinakis should pull out of any talks to sell the 25-year-old.
Nottingham Forest should reject advances for Jota Silva for now
Reports have suggested that Sporting would like to sign Jota, but Elanga’s exit should lead to the club exercising a level of caution about losing too many attackers at once.
It has been said that Forest would want £11.5m for Jota, but realistically, could the Reds find a better backup for whoever replaces Elanga for that fee?
In fact, Jota’s four goals and two assists put him only one goal contribution behind Callum Hudson-Odoi in all competitions last season, highlighting that he shouldn’t be written off as a failed signing too abruptly.
With his impeccable attitude alongside his glimpses of Premier League quality, it could well be wise for Forest to hold off on selling Jota for now.