Nottingham Forest are targeting a few key additions when the summer transfer window opens
12:56, 05 Jun 2026
Lois Openda, pictured in action for Juventus, has been linked with Nottingham Forest
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Lois Openda, pictured in action for Juventus, has been linked with Nottingham Forest(Image: 2026 Image Photo Agency)
Belgian striker Lois Openda has emerged as a potential transfer target for Nottingham Forest ahead of the summer window opening.
Head coach Vitor Pereira has made clear only a few tweaks are required to his squad for the 2026/27 campaign. But as the Reds aim to avoid being dragged into another relegation battle when the season begins, there is much emphasis on overseeing the right additions.
The window opens on June 15 and Forest will have until September 1 to complete any deals. There is a desire to get new signings through the doors early on in the summer to give Pereira as much time as possible to work with them.
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Openda has been identified as one of the players on the club’s radar as they consider attacking reinforcements. The 26-year-old spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Juventus from RB Leipzig.
According to Get Football News France, the Reds are “in the race” for the front man. AS Monaco and Eintracht Frankfurt are also credited with an interest in Openda while Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Leeds United and Coventry City have previously been linked.
It proved to be a tough year with Juve for the Belgium international. He scored two goals in 3 appearances and struggled to pin down a regular starting spot.
When his loan was announced, the Serie A giants confirmed the deal included an obligation to buy “subject to the achievement of certain sporting objectives”. The fee was listed as €40.6 million (£35m), payable in four financial years, with additional costs up to €1.7m (£1.4m).
With his permanent transfer said to have gone through, Juve are seemingly keen to offload Openda. Italian publication TuttoJuve state the club want to recoup as much money as possible and would prefer a permanent sale, but a loan with an option or obligation to buy is “the most realistic option” for overseeing the player’s exit.
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Openda is not the only forward on Forest’s radar. The club have also been credited with reigniting their interest in Bologna’s Santiago Castro after first being linked with him last year.
Italian publication Quotidiano Sportivo claim the Reds have now “tested the waters” for Castro, although they state no offers have been received. Aston Villa and Chelsea are said to have scouted the Argentine, who has a €40m (£34.5m) price tag on his head.
NottinghamshireLive says: The loan signing of Lorenzo Lucca in the winter window did not work out. It is no surprise the purchase option on the Napoli loanee will not be taken up.
Chris Wood remains a key figure at the City Ground but he is 34 and has said the knee problem that kept him sidelined for a long spell still needs managing. Pereira is a fan of what Taiwo Awoniyi brings but the Nigerian is heading into the final 12 months of his contract (as is Wood) so a decision about his future will need to be made at some point soon.
Igor Jesus will be much the better for his first 12 months in English football and will benefit from having a rest this summer after a busy year. The Brazilian looked better when he played behind Wood rather than leading the line, though.
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With all of that in mind, strengthening up front makes sense for Forest this summer. But the caveat is if they do bring in a forward, they have to make sure it is the right one.
There is never any guarantee a new addition will work out. However, strikers always cost a premium so if the Reds are going to splash the cash they need to tread carefully over how they use it.
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