Nottingham Forest have just one more game of the Premier League season to go before turning their full attention to an important summer transfer window.
A place in the Champions League is on the line when the Reds host Chelsea in a tasty final-day showdown on Sunday (4pm kick-off). Both clubs are still in with a chance of securing the top-five finish required to clinch a spot in Europe's elite club competition.
Once they know which European tournament they will be in next term, Forest's planning can begin in earnest. But whatever happens, some big decisions will need to be made when it comes to tweaking head coach Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad.
The Portuguese prefers to work with a small group but he will need to make sure he has sufficient strength in depth to cope with competing on multiple fronts. Will that mean some of those Reds players who have been plying their trade elsewhere might have a part to play? Below, NottinghamshireLive assesses the futures of the club's first-team loanees.
Matt Turner (Crystal Palace): When the American arrived at the City Ground from Arsenal in the summer of 2023, he made it clear he wanted to play games. Will he be willing to settle for being back-up again for the Reds once his FA Cup-winning stint at Selhurst Park comes to an end? With that in mind, there may well be a question mark against his future Trentside.
Jonathan Panzo (Rio Ave): The defender has never really had the opportunity to show what he is about in the Garibaldi, and it seems unlikely he will get that chance now as his contract is coming to an end. Hampered by injury during his season-long spell with fellow Evangelos Marinakis-owned outfit Rio Ave this term.
Omar Richards (Rio Ave):The 2024/25 campaign was always set up to be a big season for the defender after a nightmare couple of years with injury since he signed for the Reds from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022. He has, at least, had a fair bit of game time in Portugal as he looked to build up form and fitness. Whether that will be enough to cope with the rigours of the Premier League remains to be seen. Forest will assess their left-back options in the summer so a big call looms over whether Richards can have a part to play.
Andrew Omobamidele (Strasbourg): Highly-regarded, the centre-back nevertheless found himself down the pecking order during the first half of this season. A switch to France was made in January with a view to getting more game time. The Ligue 1 side hold an option to make the 22-year-old’s move a permanent one so any decision over his future revolves around whether they take that up. Leeds United have also been linked.
David Carmo (Olympiacos): Reds fans are yet to get a glimpse of what the defender has to offer as he immediately headed to Greece after putting pen to paper from Porto last summer. Has been a fairly regular starter during his second loan spell with Marinakis' Olympiacos and does have European experience under his belt, which might count in his favour when Forest assess their central defensive ranks in the summer.
Tyler Bindon (Reading): There is no question the Reds have a promising talent on their hands in the New Zealander. The 20-year-old is being tipped for big things and continued to impress for the Royals, having been loaned back to the League One side after he had signed for Forest before the winter window closed. The big question is whether he is ready to make the step up as part of a Premier League squad or whether another loan is viewed as best for his development. Nuno will no doubt be keen to cast an eye over the youngster in pre-season.
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Lewis O’Brien (Swansea City): The midfielder has had a succession of loans since he joined Forest in July 2022. He viewed his winter move to Wales as a chance to get his career back on track after MLS outfit Los Angeles FC did not take up the option to sign him permanently towards the end of 2024. The centre of the pitch is an area where the Reds are well stocked so it would come as little surprise to see O’Brien head elsewhere this summer. Valencia and Wrexham are said to be keen to snap him up, while the Swans reportedly want him back.
Josh Bowler (Luton Town): Similar to O'Brien, the winger has had several loans since his switch to the City Ground in 2022. Regular minutes proved hard to come by this term, first at Preston North End and then with the Hatters. Bowler is yet to make a competitive appearance in the Garibaldi and it is difficult to see that changing.
Marko Stamenic (Olympiacos): In and out of the team somewhat in Greece, having joined Olympiacos on loan after signing for Forest last summer. It will be an important pre-season for the 23-year-old midfielder as he looks to catch Nuno’s eye in an area where the Reds have several options.
Emmanuel Dennis (Blackburn Rovers): It was telling that the 27-year-old was not included in Forest’s 25-man squad for the first half of the campaign, then headed out on loan in February despite the Reds looking to strengthen their attacking resources. It seems unlikely Dennis will be able to force his way back into the picture when he returns to his parent club.
Which loanees should get a chance with Forest next season? Click HERE to have your say