Securing Champions League qualification would certainly put a different slant on Nottingham Forest’s summer, but it is set to be an important transfer window for the club regardless.
There is a very real chance the Reds will be planning to compete among Europe’s elite when it comes to making tweaks to Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad in a few months’ time. But even if that is not the case, ins and outs can be expected at the City Ground.
Forest will have decisions to make over a number of players as they assess their options. Below, NottinghamshireLive takes a look at the situation of every player on the club’s books.
Goalkeepers
Matz Sels: Has to be in contention for Forest’s player of the season award, given his supreme form this term. Even if the club weigh up their goalkeeper options in the summer, it would take some going to oust the Belgian as the clear No.1.
Carlos Miguel:A report earlier this week suggested an approach had been made for the Brazilian to return to his homeland, with Cruzerio, in the summer. His agent reportedly indicated Miguel remains happy Trentside, but there is a question mark over this future.
Wayne Hennessey: The Welshman has an offer to join the coaching set-up with his country’s Under-21s at the end of the season. He will be out of contract then and is unlikely to be offered a new one.
Matt Turner: When he put pen to paper for Forest in the summer of 2023 the American was clear about his wish to play games, so it remains to be seen whether he would be content with a back-up role when he returns to the City Ground from a loan stint at Crystal Palace.
Full-backs
Neco Williams:In a rich vein of form for Nuno’s side lately and one of the team’s most consistent performers. Given he will have just 12 months to run on his contract come the summer, it would be wise for the Reds to make moves on offering him a new one.
Ola Aina:An automatic year’s extension is set to be triggered on the Nigerian’s contract, which is due to expire in the summer. However, talks have taken place regarding a further extension. The sooner Forest get him tied down to a longer deal, the better as clubs are already sniffing around.
Eric da Silva Moreira: The 18-year-old has generally acquitted himself well whenever he has been given an opportunity. Might a loan be best for his development next season, though?
Alex Moreno: The Reds have an option to make the Aston Villa loanee’s switch a permanent one in the summer. However, he has been linked with a return to former club Real Betis as he finds himself behind Williams in the left-back pecking order.
Harry Toffolo: There is no doubt the former Huddersfield Town man has been a fine servant during his time Trentside. He is out of contract in the summer, though, and it seems likely he will move on.
Omar Richards:A decision will need to be made in the summer over whether the former Bayern Munich defender can be a part of Nuno’s future plans. After an injury-hit two years, he is trying to get back on track during a loan spell at Rio Ave.
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Centre-backs
Murillo:The Brazilian has no shortage of admirers but Forest made a big statement of intent by getting him tied to a new deal in January. The club are in the driving seat on that front, even if the vultures do come circling.
Nikola Milenkovic: Has been integral for Nuno’s side and a big reason why the defence has been so solid. One of the signings of the season and will be crucial again next year.
Willy Boly: Out of contract in the summer, although Forest hold an option to retain his services for another year. Has been linked with a switch to Saudi Arabian outfit Al Riyadh.
Morato: Given a four-man defence has generally been Nuno’s preference, the Brazilian has mostly had to settle for a substitutes’ role. He has carried it out well, though, and will hope for more opportunities next season.
David Carmo: Currently on loan at Olympiacos. Pre-season will be a chance for Nuno to take a look at a few players and cast judgement, with the 25-year-old among them.
Andrew Omobamidele: Headed out on loan to Strasbourg in January as he was not getting a look-in at the City Ground. The French outfit have the option to make his move a permanent one in the summer.
Jonathan Panzo:Seems likely the defender will move on when he returns from a loan spell at Rio Ave. It hasn’t really worked out for him at Forest and he will be a free agent at that point.
Tyler Bindon:Viewed as a very bright talent and one for the future when the Reds signed him on deadline day last month. Was immediately loaned back to Reading and has continued to impress for the Royals. Is he ready to make the step up to the Premier League?
Midfielders
Ryan Yates: Do not underestimate what the Nigel Doughty Academy graduate brings to the team, both on and off the pitch. Remains such a valuable and valued figure at the club. Just wait until he pulls on the Garibaldi in European competition for the first time...
Danilo: Did incredibly well to come back as quickly as he did from the horror injury sustained on the opening day of the campaign. It hasn’t been easy for the Brazilian since his return but a proper pre-season should do him the power of good.
Nicolas Dominguez: A few weeks ago was the subject of rumours of a swap deal involving Roma’s Bryan Cristante. It has gone quiet since then, though, and the Argentine has played his part in some big results.
Ibrahim Sangare: Has his work cut out to force his way into the starting XI at present after returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Still divides opinion among supporters so perhaps the jury remains out going forward.
Elliot Anderson: Competing with Milenkovic for the signing of the season accolade. Is a huge talent and the best part is there is still plenty more to come. At 22, he can get even better for the Reds.
Lewis O’Brien: When he put pen to paper for Swansea City in the winter window, said he wanted to use the loan stint as an opportunity to get his career back on track. It is the latest in a succession of temporary moves for the midfielder and it would come as little surprise to see him head elsewhere in the summer.
Marko Stamenic: Has been in and out of the team somewhat during his loan spell at Olympiacos. Pre-season will be Nuno’s first real opportunity to cast an eye over him as the New Zealander headed straight to Greece after signing for the Reds last summer.
Attackers
Morgan Gibbs-White: Has plenty of clubs keeping an eye on him - hardly surprising, given his quality. Forest know just how important he is, though, and there has been talk of a potential new deal being in the offing amid his current one expiring in 2027.
Callum Hudson-Odoi: On the subject of contracts, a new one for the winger must be on the cards soon. He remains one of the Reds’ best pieces of transfer business of recent years and extending his terms beyond 2026 has to be a priority.
Anthony Elanga: A man full of confidence, and it showed with his brace against Ipswich Town before the international break. Among a group of young players who can improve together as Forest build around them.
Jota Silva: It has been a bit of a mixed first year in the Premier League for the wide man. Was always going to be difficult to adapt after making the switch from Vitoria Guimaraes. Nevertheless, as Forest look to push on again next term they might well look to bolster their options out wide.
Ramon Sosa: Has not made the match squad in recent games. Nuno has put that down to simply a selection choice and has described the Paraguayan as a “talented player”. Reports have suggested Forest turned down an offer for him during the winter window as the 25-year-old made clear he did not want to leave.
Josh Bowler: Currently on loan at Luton Town after a move to Preston North End in the first half of the campaign did not work out. A parting of the ways in the summer might be best all round.
Strikers
Chris Wood: Penned a new contract in January as Forest avoided the prospect of losing the front man on a free in the summer. Was fully deserved, given the form he has been in and how crucial his goals have proved to be.
Taiwo Awoniyi: It hasn’t been a particularly easy season for the Nigerian, but Nuno has insisted throughout that he remains confident Awoniyi can rediscover his old form. Adding a striker will be top of the club’s to-do list in the summer so it remains to be seen what impact that will have.
Emmanuel Dennis: Was left out of the 25-man squad for the first half of the season and then headed to Blackburn Rovers on loan. If a move can be found in the summer, it would make sense.
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