the most recent information on Nottingham Forest as Steve Cooper’s Reds prepare for the January transfer window
In order to advance in the Premier League, Nottingham Forest understood they needed to execute their summer transfer strategy flawlessly.
Although it is still early, the Reds appear to have made some excellent commercial decisions. Some of their recent acquisitions have already made an impression, while others are just getting started.
For the club, that particular window was crucial. The transactions made should only necessitate minor adjustments to the team come January.
However, because a number of players have contracts that are set to expire at the end of the season, Forest will soon need to make some important decisions. They can either cash in when the window reopens or offer new terms if they don’t want to take the chance of having those players leave for free the following summer.
Although it may still seem far off, January will arrive soon. In light of this, let’s examine the players the Reds will need to decide on.
The goalkeeper’s January departure may be a possibility, according to head coach Steve Cooper. Horvath was not included on the 25-man Premier League roster because Forest brought in Matt Turner and Odysseas Vlachodimos to contend for the No. 1 position, while Wayne Hennessey was viewed as the backup goalkeeper.
The American undoubtedly wants to be playing games after having a fantastic loan season at Luton Town last season. At the City Ground, he won’t receive that, thus a change of scenery may be in order.
Wayne Hennessey
The Reds are unlikely to consider releasing two goalkeepers in January. Hennessey has fallen in the standings after at least serving as a backup on the bench the previous season, but history shows that things may swiftly change due to injuries and suspensions.
He is ready to help out if needed. But it’s still unclear what the summer will bring.
George Shelvey
The teenage goalkeeper expressed interest in going out on loan throughout the summer. If it is thought to be beneficial for his growth, January may offer the chance to accomplish that.
Loic Mbe Soh
The defender, who is now on loan at Almere City, has had difficulty breaking into Cooper’s plans. It would be unexpected if a new contract were to be signed on that basis.
The center-back’s opportunity to showcase himself throughout his loan period. Potential suitors would undoubtedly want to wait until he becomes a free agent rather than make a commitment in January, though.
Scott McKenna
The Scot is at the center of perhaps one of the club’s biggest decisions. McKenna has fallen down the pecking order at the moment and hasn’t even made the match squad for the past three games, according to Cooper, who recently mentioned that he believes McKenna still has potential to grow.
McKenna played a significant role in the team’s advancement. However, the Reds must now decide whether to extend him new terms.
Willy Boly
Boly is the person who is working hardest to secure a new contract. He has been outstanding thus far this season and is unquestionably one of Forest’s greatest players.
Cooper holds him in high regard, both for his contributions to the locker room and his play on the field. Even though the center back is 32, giving him an additional year could be a smart choice.
Felipe
The Brazilian’s performance will probably be influenced by his level of fitness. As a result of his ongoing knee ailment, he has yet to play for the first team this year.
He played a crucial role in ensuring survival last term and was a model student. Even though he is 34 years old, the Reds could want to hold onto him if he can bounce back and perform at that level once more.
Serge Aurier
After joining less than a year ago as a free agent, the 30-year-old has shown to be an excellent piece of business. Last season, he performed superbly.
Aurier hasn’t quite reached those levels of dependability yet this time around. He has nevertheless contributed to the campaign’s optimistic start.
Despite increased competition for the right-back position, he is thought to have been keen to stay at Trentside despite interest from Saudi Arabia in the summer. A new deal would be accepted if offered to him.
Ola Aina
Another recent free agent who has established himself. Prior to being sidelined by injury, Aina was one of the Reds’ most reliable players.
Future options were included in his one-year contract when he signed it. He has undoubtedly accomplished enough to warrant the club tying him down for longer.
Cheikhou Kouyate
Since Forest strengthened in the summer, the midfielder has typically had to make do as a backup. He is a good choice to have as a backup. But since the club is well-stocked in that area, getting a new agreement might be challenging.
Chris Wood
Wood and AC Milan loanee Divock Origi will be attempting to fill Taiwo Awoniyi’s absence. Cooper sees the New Zealander as an important team player because of his ability to score important goals.
However, considering their recent goal scoring struggles, up front may very well be an area the Reds identify as needing reinforcements – either in January or next summer. Where Wood fits in could change if they do add another striker.
Harry Arter
If a bid for the midfielder is received in January, it will be accepted. He has been absent from the scene for a while.
Additionally, the loans for Origi, Nuno Tavares, Andrey Santos, and Gonzalo Montiel will end in 2024, along with the contracts of the players on permanent deals whose terms are up at that time. As Santos has not seen much playing time thus far, reports have suggested Chelsea is thinking about recalling him in January.
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