The summer transfer window is now open for business as Nottingham Forest look to tweak head coach Nuno Espirito Santo's squad.
After a season in which they secured European football for the first time in three decades and reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup, the Reds will be aiming to build on those solid foundations in 2025/26. To do that, they cannot afford to stand still.
There will be incomings and outgoings over the next few months as Forest aim to ensure Nuno has the right tools to oversee further progress. Below, NottinghamshireLive looks at some of the big transfer decisions facing the club this summer.
Sourcing right striker
There is no doubt about the Reds’ top priority this summer. Bolstering their attacking arsenal is an absolute must.
But that doesn’t mean they should go out and sign just any old striker. It has to be the right one.
Careful and considered business has been the order of the day at the City Ground in recent windows. This one will be no different.
Forwards come at a premium and a number of teams will be in the hunt for goals this summer. If Forest are going to spend big up front, they will need to undertake plenty of due diligence to give the best possible chance of getting bang for their buck.
A number of front men have already been linked with moves Trentside. It would come as no surprise to see the waters being tested again for Brentford's Yoane Wissa after the Reds tried their luck in January.
Contract calls
The sooner the Reds get full-back Ola Aina tied down to a longer deal, the better. He is such an important figure for Nuno's team, both on and off the pitch.
Meanwhile, five players are coming to the end of their current contracts. Decisions need to be made over whether to retain their services or let them walk away.
In the cases of Wayne Hennessey and Jonathan Panzo, it is fairly straightforward. If the former is to stay on it would most likely be in a coaching role, although he already has an offer on that front from Wales Under-21s, while it has never really happened for Panzo at Forest.
Did Harry Toffolo manage to play himself into contention to stay on? It’s probably unlikely but the defender sealed cult hero status with his clearance off the line against Tottenham Hotspur in a big 2-1 win in the capital last month. It might well be that Willy Boly also moves on come June, although the Reds hold an option to extend his stay by a further 12 months.
Perhaps the biggest question mark concerning the out-of-contract players is over Alex Moreno - and even there the signs are that an exit could be on the cards. Earlier in the campaign, turning the Aston Villa loanee’s switch into a permanent move seemed sensible business. However, his form dropped and he wasn't even in the match squad in the final weeks of the season.
Richards revitalised?
Of the Forest players out on loan, several are likely to move on in the summer. It is difficult to see how the likes of Emmanuel Dennis, Josh Bowler and Lewis O’Brien have futures at the City Ground.
But there is a decision to be made over Omar Richards. Left-back is an area the Reds will need to look at, especially if Toffolo and Moreno leave, so they need to weigh up whether there is a potential solution already on the books.
Big things were expected of former Bayern Munich man Richards. He has been desperately unlucky with injuries and has had a nightmare few years on that front.
His spell on loan at Rio Ave was seen as an opportunity for him to find some form and fitness. He did play a fair few games in Portugal but the question will be whether he is ready for the frenetic nature of the Premier League.
A similar call will need to be made over Tyler Bindon. The young defender has a very bright future ahead of him, but is he ready for the top flight or would developing further on loan suit him best? The New Zealand international will link up with his new teammates in the summer, having rejoined Reading on loan after putting pen to paper for Forest on deadline day in February.
Keeper conundrum
Matz Sels had a terrific 2024/25 season and it would take some doing to oust him from first-choice between the posts. But who should his back-up be next term? Do Forest need to shuffle their goalkeeper pack again?
Not so long ago, Carlos Miguel was linked with a move elsewhere. However, reports contained mixed messages as it was also suggested the Brazilian was happy on the banks of the Trent.
The former Corinthians stopper hasn’t had too many opportunities to show what he is capable of. But when he has played he has had some good and not-so-good moments.
It would be a surprise if Matt Turner returns to add another option to the ranks. The American spent the season on loan at Crystal Palace and has hinted he wants to be playing games, which is unlikely to happen at his parent club.
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