Nottingham Forest’s hunt to replace Anthony Elanga isn’t going smoothly, with a Premier League rival now set to beat them to another of the shortlisted targets.
Elanga signed for Newcastle United in what was, of course, a blow to Nuno Espírito Santo, but the fee received did at least present the opportunity for an adequate successor.
Nottingham Forest News understands that Forest received £55m up front for Elanga, a significant figure that has led to plenty of wingers being linked to the City Ground.
However, after Johan Bakayoko agreed to join RB Leipzig, another of the shortlisted options to replace Elanga looks to be slipping away.
Newcastle United Unveil New Signing Anthony Elanga
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Brentford make significant move for Nottingham Forest target
As Elanga’s Newcastle move drew closer to being confirmed, Nottingham Forest News revealed that Forest had a four-man shortlist to replace Elanga.
One of the options was Ipswich Town and England U21 star Omari Hutchinson, but according to Tom Collomosse of the Daily Mail, he may already be off elsewhere.
Collomosse has claimed that Brentford have triggered Hutchinson’s £35m relegation release clause in a blow to Edu and the Forest recruitment team.
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To make matters worse, the East Anglian Daily Times reported that Tuesday was the final day that the clause was active, meaning that Forest cannot even trigger it themselves to compete with The Bees.
Hutchinson looks to have slipped away, then, which will be particularly frustrating for the Forest coaching staff given his versatility.
Omari Hutchinson would’ve been valuable to Nottingham Forest
Heading into the 25/26 season, the Forest squad are concerned about Espírito Santo’s tactics and whether the counter-attacking system can still work without the blistering pace of Elanga.
Therefore, versatility could be an incredibly valuable asset in the Forest squad while a variation in tactical style is perfected, something that Hutchinson would’ve provided.
Position Appearances Goals Assists
Left wing 17 9 2
Attacking midfield 58 10 15
Right wing 57 17 11
Omari Hutchinson’s stats by position (via Transfermarkt)
Still only 21, Hutchinson has featured across an attack both at Ipswich and in his youth football days at Arsenal and Chelsea.
Comfortable in Elanga’s position, Hutchinson could also replace Morgan Gibbs-White should his move to Tottenham go through, as well as provide emergency cover for Callum Hudson-Odoi on the left.
It looks as if it will be Brentford who get to capitalise on this versatility, though, leaving Edu and Forest to pursue other targets instead.