Nottingham Forest are already beginning to make moves in the transfer market as they undertake an important summer reshuffle.
The Reds have some solid foundations to build upon after finishing seventh in the Premier League and qualifying for Europe for the first time in three decades. But with their spot in the Conference League will come additional games, and that means greater strength in depth is required across the pitch.
As Forest prepare to compete on several fronts in 2025/26, getting their transfer business right over the coming weeks will be key. NottinghamshireLive runs the rule over what head coach Nuno Espirito Santo requires this summer.
Goalkeepers: Back-up required
Golden Glove winner Matz Sels is Nuno’s clear No.1 but behind the Belgian a bit of a reshuffle could be on the cards. Third-choice Wayne Hennessey looks set to depart as a free agent, although he could stay on in a coaching role, and there are question marks over the futures of Carlos Miguel and Matt Turner.
With that in mind, the Reds are likely to need to bring in at least one senior shot-stopper. Finding a capable candidate content to come in as back-up will not necessarily be easy.
Full-backs: New contracts a priority
Left-back Cuiabano looks to be on his way to the City Ground from Botafogo as part of a triple deal. But at 22, he is a relatively young prospect and might need time to adjust to English football.
It seems unlikely Harry Toffolo and Alex Moreno will be back for next season, but there is still a decision to be made over Omar Richards. Can the former Bayern Munich man finally have a part to play in the Garibaldi following his injury nightmare?
Pre-season could be key for Richards. Likewise for youngster Eric da Silva Moreira who might benefit from going out on loan next season.
Meanwhile, getting Ola Aina and Neco Williams tied to fresh terms is an absolute must. Amid reports a 12-month extension was activated in Aina’s deal when the Reds officially avoided relegation, it would mean both players have contracts which are due to expire in 2026. The Reds cannot run the risk of losing them as free agents in 12 months’ time.
Centre-backs: Decisions to be made
Jair Cunha has the makings of being a bright prospect. The 20-year-old looks set to join Cuiabano in completing the switch from Botafogo, although he will also need to be given some space to find his feet.
The Brazilian will not be the only new face when Nuno’s squad meets up at the Nigel Doughty Academy next month. Tyler Bindon and David Carmo are yet to link up with their teammates, having both headed out on loan after signing, so Nuno will likely take a look at them in pre-season before making a decision over what happens next.
There is also a call to be made regarding Willy Boly as the Reds have an option to retain his services for another year. There was talk of interest from Saudi Arabia earlier in the year, so a departure could be on the cards.
As yet, there has been no word on Strasbourg taking up their option to sign Andrew Omobamidele on a permanent basis. However, the former Norwich City man is not short of admirers so a move still beckons.
In Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic, Forest have a formidable central defensive partnership. Keeping hold of the duo would certainly allow Nuno’s side to push on again next term. Morato had a few wobbly moments during his first year at the club but he can still be a decent option.
Midfielders: Vacancy opens up
Forest have been linked with a few midfielders, including Juventus’ Douglas Luiz. It was an area they were well stocked in but it might be a vacancy is about to materialise.
Brazilian Danilo is wanted by Lyon. The former Palmeiras man is a popular figure but there is little room for sentimentality in football.
Talk of a £21 million offer would represent good business. The Reds could then look to find a replacement capable of helping them push on.
Reports from Argentina suggesting Nicolas Dominguez could miss the start of the season after undergoing knee surgery might serve to strengthen the case for bringing in another midfielder - especially if Danilo goes. There is uncertainty over whether Marko Stamenic will be part of Nuno’s plans having been on loan at Olympiacos.
Forest will hope Ibrahim Sangare can pick up from where he left off when the new term begins while Elliot Anderson has the potential to improve even further. Ryan Yates remains a key figure Trentside but Lewis O’Brien is expected to move on after a succession of loans.
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Wingers/attackers: The Gibbs-White situation
How the Reds’ summer pans out was always going to revolve around what happens with Morgan Gibbs-White. There is no doubt about the England international’s importance to Nuno’s squad.
Lose him and there would be a big void to be filled. Manchester City’s interest appears to have cooled slightly, which comes as a huge boost to Forest’s hopes of hanging on to him.
Gibbs-White does have other admirers but suggestions of a £100m price tag appears to be putting off a few potential suitors. If he does stay put, it is imperative he gets tied down to a new contract. His current one is due to expire in 2027 and the Reds cannot afford for him to depreciate in value as that runs down.
A new deal for Callum Hudson-Odoi is also a must as he has just 12 months remaining. Keeping hold of him, Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga would be a significant statement of intent by the club.
Nevertheless, Forest do need to strengthen their wide options. Nuno seemed reluctant to call upon Jota Silva and Ramon Sosa too much when the stakes were high, and both have been linked with moves elsewhere.
Strikers: Priority position
Debate continues to rage over whether adding a striker in January would have made a difference to the Reds’ Champions League hopes. Now the window has reopened, strengthening up front is a top priority.
Forest have moved quickly to target Botafogo’s Igor Jesus but it would come as no surprise if another forward is on the shopping list. Emmanuel Dennis seems certain to move on and it remains to be seen what happens with Taiwo Awoniyi following his serious abdominal injury.
Chris Wood had a terrific season, but if the Reds have learnt anything it is that quality competition is needed for the New Zealand international. Brentford’s Yoane Wissa is said to remain of interest and would be a perfect fit.
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