Latest Nottingham Forest news as Nuno Espirito Santo aims to strengthen Reds squad in summer transfer window
One of the aims for Nottingham Forest this summer is to end the transfer window with a squad capable of pushing on in the Premier League.
They have until 11pm on August 30 to complete their business, with a fair few ins and outs on the cards before then. Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo’s preference is to work with a tight-knit group, and one with sufficient balance to it.
If the Reds are going to finish higher up the table, they need to have strength in depth. Having different options to call upon, as well as to cover for injuries and absences, is vital.
So far, two new faces have put pen to paper. Midfielder Marko Stamenic made the move from Red Star Belgrade and will spend next season on loan at Olympiacos, while versatile youngster Eric da Silva Moreira joined from St. Pauli.
Further arrivals will follow, with goalkeeper Carlos Miguel expected to be among them in a switch from Corinthians. There is the core of a good group already in place, but bolstering resources in key areas could make a big difference.
Of course, Nuno could well be left with something of a selection headache at the end of it all. Having a strong XI is important but so, too, is having a strong bench. With that in mind, we take a look at what a dream substitutes’ list could look like for the Reds next season.
Goalkeeper
Nuno might have a decision to make over who starts between the posts and who provides back-up. Matz Sels established himself as No.1 in the second half of last term, but Miguel will surely have his eyes on game time.
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Centre-backs
Forest need to strengthen in this department, regardless of whether they lose the in-demand Murillo. They will also no doubt want to make sure Nuno has the option of playing with three at the back, if he wishes to.
Getting Willy Boly tied down to fresh terms was an important move. But there might still be a question mark over how many games the 33-year-old plays next season. Whether he is on the bench or in the XI, though, the Ivory Coast international remains a key figure.
At the opposite end of the experience scale is Andrew Omobamidele. The 22-year-old did well whenever called upon last term and still has his best years ahead of him. He will need to keep picking up minutes but may have his work cut out to pin down a place in the XI.
Full-backs
As with central defence, the Reds will want to assess their full-back options this summer. Ola Aina and Neco Williams both offer versatility in being able to play on both flanks – and with numbers tight, such flexibility can be crucial.
Moreira offers that as he can play right-back, right wing-back and as a winger. The 18-year-old is viewed as a bright prospect but may have to be patient in the search for opportunities and may be on the bench initially.
There is a question mark over Omar Richards amid talk he might return to Olympiacos, where he spent last season on loan. Harry Toffolo has generally proved reliable, but it would still not come as a surprise if another left-back is targeted.
Given the form they showed last term, Aina and Williams might start on the left and the right respectively. And that would leave others watching from the sidelines initially.
Midfield
Nuno does already have several options here. But again, don’t rule out reinforcements. Strength in depth can be particularly important in the centre of the pitch, with the ability to bring on players able to make an impact from off the bench a useful asset.
Will Ibrahim Sangare be able to hit his stride this time around? The club record signing generally had to settle for a place among the substitutes towards the end of last season but will hope to show what he is about as part of the XI this term.
Nuno also currently has Ryan Yates, Danilo and Nicolas Dominguez to call upon. Whoever earns a starting spot, it would leave the head coach with decent options to turn to as and when required.
Attack
Forest could do with reinforcements out wide and a back-up for Morgan Gibbs-White. If they can source someone capable of operating in a few different roles, that would be ideal.
Loanees Gio Reyna and Divock Origi didn’t really work out as hoped last season, while young striker Rodrigo Ribeiro barely got a look-in. Getting the recruitment right this summer will be key.
It will be interesting to see whether Nuno feels Brandon Aguilera can have a part to play. He has potential and a big call will need to be made over whether another loan move is best for his development. If the Costa Rican does remain with Nuno’s squad it is unlikely he would be a starter, but he could offer something different as a substitute.
Striker
Another forward would not go amiss in the bid to boost Nuno’s attacking arsenal. Assuming Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi stay put, that would provide the Portuguese with valuable options.
The battle over who starts between Wood and Awoniyi will be an intriguing one – if both can stay fit. Free agent striker Che Adams has been on the Reds’ radar, but they do face competition for his services. If Forest do manage to snap him up, he could offer decent back-up as a substitute, in addition to one of Awoniyi and Wood.
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