Oleksandr Zinchenko was a surprise loan signing on transfer deadline day back in the summer.
The Ukrainian clearly came in as part of a trick that former Arsenal employee Edu had up his sleeve to bolster the defensive ranks.
Zinchenko’s arrival has gone exactly how everyone anticipated, with the player a very good technician but defensively erratic and often unstable.
The Ukraine international has spent most of his six-month loan on the treatment table, and it’s been claimed that Sean Dyche is keen to offload Zinchenko this month.
Now, in a further blow to the defender, Forest have dropped a clear hint that he’s not really wanted at the City Ground.
Ola Aina in action for Nottingham Forest vs West Ham.
Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Ola Aina reinstated to Europa League squad
Formal changes to the Europa League squad cannot be made until the end of the group stages in a few weeks.
However, Zinchenko was called up after Ola Aina suffered a long-term injury and with the player now fit to return, Forest have been allowed to swap the two players around again.
Had Zinchenko pulled up any trees during his time at the club, Forest might have held off making that call, but Aina will be available when the Reds go to Braga next week.
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The replacement update has been made on the UEFA website, and this latest move perhaps signals the end of Zinchenko’s time at Forest.
Forest are pretty much guaranteed a place in the Europa League play-offs, but two wins in their final two games should ensure a top-eight finish.
Forest have to do whatever it takes to get Zinchenko out this month
The Reds will have to be careful with this decision, given that Zinchenko and Neco Williams are the only two left-backs at the football club.
However, Zinchenko hasn’t covered himself in glory at Forest and has showcased that the Reds can do a lot better in that position.
FILL IN THE BLANK: Oleksandr Zinchenko has been _____________ at Nottingham Forest
The Ukrainian has been linked with the exit!
Nottingham Forest defender Oleksandr Zinchenko
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
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It’s hard to argue with Zinchenko’s CV as a footballer, but ultimately, he’s just not the right player for Forest in their current predicament towards the bottom of the table.
Hopefully, this decision made by the club is the final straw for Zinchenko, and he can now discuss with his agent moving to a new club before the transfer window closes.