It could be a busy end to the January transfer window for Sean Dyche's Nottingham Forest
05:00, 31 Jan 2026
Nottingham Forest head coach Sean Dyche
View Image
Nottingham Forest head coach Sean Dyche(Image: PA)
Nottingham Forest still have a fair bit of work to do in the transfer market as they head into the final days of the January window.
Not so long ago, head coach Sean Dyche was adamant it would be a quiet month at the City Ground. However, it could well be a busy finish to the window for the Reds.
They have made one signing so far, in Napoli loanee Lorenzo Lucca. The striker could make his debut in Sunday’s clash with Crystal Palace (2pm kick-off), having been ineligible to feature against Brentford last weekend and in Thursday night’s Europa League win over Ferencvaros.
Strengthening up front was a priority for Forest in this window, but they haven’t finished yet. Another forward is on the shopping list to ensure Dyche has sufficient options up front.
Forest - JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!Get all the Nottingham Forest latest via our Facebook page
Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta has been the subject of interest from the Reds. However, the suggestion from Italy is they could be beaten to his signature by AC Milan. It would likely mean Forest moving on to other targets, if Mateta is heading elsewhere.
Sourcing a left-back is on the agenda, too. Dyche is short on numbers in the full-back department, particularly with Oleksandr Zinchenko departing and Nicolo Savona sustaining a knee injury.
Napoli’s Mathias Olivera has been linked with a switch to the banks of the Trent. However, boss Antonio Conte is reportedly unwilling to let him go without reinforcements coming in.
The Reds have also been looking at midfielders to bolster their resources in the centre of the pitch. Brighton and Hove Albion’s Yasin Ayari and Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi are among those on the club’s radar.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Forest have asked to take the latter on loan. An option to buy would be included in the proposed deal.
Get breaking Forest news sent direct to your phone
Join our Nottingham Forest WhatsApp group and get the latest breaking news, interviews and opinion sent straight to your phone, plus matchday team news and live updates of all the action. Just click here and select ‘Join Community’ to get started. The only proviso is that you must have WhatsApp on your phone to participate. No one will be able to see your personal information and you will only receive messages from the NottinghamshireLive Reds writers.
We will not spam your WhatsApp feed with constant messages, but you will receive updates from us daily with the latest Reds stories. If you later decide to opt out, just go to the name at the top of your screen and click 'Exit Group'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you are curious, you can click here to read our Privacy Notice.
Meanwhile, asked about speculation surrounding Ayari, Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler said in his press conference on Friday: “I'm not taking part in these kinds of speculations. I really enjoy working with Yasin and he really enjoys working with us.”
Article continues below
Additionally, bringing in a goalkeeper could be on the cards for Forest. Summer signing John Victor is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the season and they have held talks over a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Jose Sa.
Some players are likely to head in the opposite direction before the window closes, with the possibility of outgoings at the City Ground. Centre-back Willy Boly is out of contract in the summer and could move on before then, while left-back Cuiabano has been linked with a return to Brazil.
What transfer business should Forest do before the window closes? Click HERE to have your say