Nottingham Forest have a huge couple of months ahead of them, with the current group of players having the opportunity to write themselves into the history books.
The Reds undoubtedly have to prioritise the Premier League in the near future, but their standing in the Europa League presents a genuine chance of winning another European trophy.
The current generation of supporters have grown up hearing about the glory days under Brian Clough, with current boss Vitor Pereira having the opportunity to hand the fans a season to remember.
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Evangelos Marinakis’ heavy investment over recent seasons has enabled such an opportunity, with the players at the City Ground needing to take huge advantage of the chance handed their way.
However, the spending in the transfer market always presents a risk, with the Reds potentially needing to cash in on players to avoid breaking any PSR rules.
Why Neco Williams could leave Forest this summer
Ahead of the summer transfer window, many Forest fans are expecting the sale of Elliot Anderson, with the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City constantly making checks over his future.
However, full-back Neco Williams could also join the Englishman in departing the City Ground this window, with Fabrizio Romano offering an update on his future.
The journalist claimed this week that numerous Premier League and European clubs are constantly monitoring his progress ahead of any potential offers.
The 24-year-old has been in tremendous form for the Reds this term, subsequently winning three successive Player of the Month awards in the East Midlands.
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His best performance in recent months undoubtedly came against Tottenham Hotspur before the international break, as he laid on two assists during the victory in North London.
Should Anderson depart in the near future, there certainly won’t be a need to offload any more senior members, but the fanbase will no doubt be fearing the worst after Romano’s update.
The Forest star who’s the perfect Williams replacement
The left-back department has often been an area of struggle for Forest in years gone by, as seen with the constant revolving door of players in recent times.
Even during the promotion-winning campaign, central midfielder Jack Colback was often chosen to feature in an unnatural role, whilst loanee Max Lowe spent time on the sidelines.
Since promotion, the Reds have had various loanees in such an area of the pitch, with the likes of Renan Lodi and Nuno Tavares sharing the responsibility of filling the role on a temporary basis.
Williams has certainly made the position his own over recent months, whilst also cementing his place as one of the club’s most important players under Pereira.
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However, his potential departure will no doubt alarm supporters, but they could already have a readymade replacement on their books in German youngster Luca Netz.
The 22-year-old only arrived from Borussia Mönchengladbach for a reported £2m in January, but has so far only featured for a total of 48 minutes.
Despite his lack of action in the Premier League to date, he’s arrived in England with great pedigree - subsequently amassing over a century of appearances in the Bundesliga.
He’s often had to play second fiddle to Williams over recent months, but journalist Florian Plettenberg has stated that the club are happy with his progress.
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Luca Netz
His tender age certainly makes him one for the future, but his stats from the current season in Germany before his transfer certainly make for excellent reading.
Netz, who's been dubbed "exceptional" by coach Christian Wuck, made 15 appearances for the Bundesliga side before his subsequent move to Forest, even registering two assists - which highlights his impressive nature when marauding forward.
Luca Netz - Bundesliga stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Cross accuracy
Dribble success
Defensive actions
Tackles made
Clearances made
He managed to complete 27% of the crosses he attempted - a tally greater than Williams’ - which further reaffirms his incredible ability with the ball at his feet in attacking areas.
Without the ball, the youngster is a just as impressive option for the Reds, subsequently making 1.5 tackles and 3.7 clearances per 90 so far this term.
Netz’s tally of 6.2 defensive contributions per 90 also highlights his talent out of possession, with his ability at both ends mirroring the playstyle of Williams at the City Ground.
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Given his form over recent months, no Forest fan would want to lose the Welshman this summer - with the former Liverpool star undoubtedly one of the club’s most consistent performers.
However, should he be offloaded, Pereira would already have the perfect replacement in Netz, with the 22-year-old able to step up and be counted when needed in 2026/27.
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