Nottingham Forest are coming off the back of an incredible season, which saw them shock the league and occupy a place in the division’s top four for the majority of the campaign.
It is commonplace for a side, coming off a surprisingly good season, to get raided by the league’s bigger clubs. Forest fans will hope that is not the case at the City Ground this summer, as they look to see their team build upon their seventh-place finish last season.
It could potentially be a big summer for incomings, too, as Nuno Espírito Santo’s men will be competing in Europe for the first time in three decades. So, no doubt, the Portuguese coach will be looking to bring in some depth as his side will play more football this season and will be making lengthy journeys to and from the continent.
Without further ado, here is what you can expect from Nottingham Forest this summer.
Expiring Contracts
There were some fears among the City Ground faithful that **Ola Aina**may have been on his way out this summer due to his contract expiring. However, their worries were alleviated when it transpired the club had a one-year extension clause in the Nigerian international's contract.
The same can be said of Willy Boly, who also has a one-year extension clause in his contract; the club has yet to activate that.
Jonathan Panzo's contract will be allowed to run out. The 24-year-old signed for the club back in 2022 and has spent the majority of his three years at Forest on loan at Cardiff City and Rio Ave.
Wayne Hennessey joined the club in January of this year and signed a deal till the end of the season, and it looks like he, too, will be allowed to leave the club.
Finally, Harry Toffolo looks as though he will be plying his trade elsewhere next season as his contract expires this summer. The 29-year-old has been a handy squad player for the Tricky Trees during their three years back in the Premier League.
Three possible departures
Morgan Gibbs White
The primary concern for Forest this summer is the future of the talismanic figure Morgan Gibbs-White.
The former **Wolves**man is coming off the back of an incredible season, which saw him be a vital part of a Forest team that challenged for a Champions League place and ultimately qualified for the Europa Conference League. He contributed seven goals and eight assists in 34 Premier League games.
His performances may well have attracted the interest of some of the league’s big hitters, particularly Manchester City, who may see the 25-year-old as the ideal replacement for club legend Kevin De Bruyne.
Murillo
Young Brazilian centre back **Murillo**’s performances are bound to have one or two sides sniffing around him.
The 22-year-old was part of a Forest backline that kept a very impressive 13 Premier League clean sheets last night, and formed an impressive partnership with Nikola Milenković.
Although he did sign a new deal with the club in January of this year, there will still be sides willing to pay a sizeable amount for a player whose future seems incredibly bright and has shown he can perform at a Premier League level.
Danilo
Murillo’s compatriot Danilo could be another on the way out of the City Ground.
According to multiple sources, it would appear that the 24-year-old is in talks with French giants **Lyon**regarding a move to the **Ligue 1**side.
The midfielder was limited to just eight Premier League games last season after breaking his ankle during the first game of the season against Bournemouth.
Areas to Strengthen
Nottingham Forest's starting XI is incredibly strong, and if they can keep hold of their star players, there are not too many areas in which it can be improved. However, an area where they could do with some bolstering, particularly with entering European competition and playing more games, is the strength in depth.
Chris Wood is coming off the back of a remarkable season, scoring 20 **Premier League**goals in a single season for the first time in his career.
But with the forward now 33 years old, the Tricky Trees cannot look to him to play every game, and with Taiwo Awoniyi's status as yet unknown, Nuno Espírito Santo would be smart to delve into the market for a younger backup striker.
Both right and left back are areas where they could also do with some more cover. With Harry Toffolo on his way out and Àlex Moreno returning to Aston Villa, it leaves Forest without any senior backup in both positions.
Finally, with **Wayne Hennessey**leaving, there is space in the squad for a third-choice goalkeeper. So, no doubt, that will be another area for Forest to explore, maybe another experienced pro.
Priority target - Igor Jesus
As mentioned earlier, Forest are in desperate need of another forward to strengthen the squad, and it appears they have their hearts set on Igor Jesus.
Jesus, who currently plays for Botafogo in his home country of Brazil, is a striker who does not quite have the same eye for goal as current Forest star Chris Wood, but he would be an interesting alternative to the towering forward.
The Brazil international is cut from a similar cloth as compatriot Roberto Firmino. He’s willing to put in the hard yards, consistently working hard off the ball to make life difficult for opposition defenders.
His link-up play is incredibly impressive, as is his ability to hold the ball up, which would make him ideal for playing alongside the likes of Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
He can also play in several positions, including on the wing and in attacking midfield, making him an even more attractive option to Nuno Espírito Santo.
Forest are reportedly working on a deal for Jesus as well as two of his Botafogo teammates, centre back Jair Cunha and left back Cuiabano. The trio is set to come to the City Ground after the Brazilian side’s Club World Cup campaign.