The Nottingham Forest players on notice as key transfer decisions on the cards
Nottingham Forest are expected to have a relatively quiet January transfer window but a few ins and outs could still be possible at the City Ground.
The Reds recognise the importance of getting any deals right this month as they look to build on their superb first half to the campaign. And that applies to any outgoings as much as it does potential incomings.
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has a strong squad already in place and a lot of work was done in the summer with regards to trimming numbers. However, January could still see a few changes being made. Below, we look at some players whose futures Forest might make key calls.
Emmanuel Dennis
Left off the Reds’ 25-man Premier League squad list for the first half of the campaign, it seems unlikely there will be a route back into the fold for the forward. A move was not forthcoming in the summer, but Forest will surely try to facilitate one before the winter window closes at 11pm on February 3.
Dennis spent last season on loan at Istanbul Basaksehir and then Watford. He has not featured for the Reds since coming off the bench against Crystal Palace on the final day of the 2022/23 season. If a deal can be done this month, it would suit all parties.
Lewis O’Brien
A loan spell at LAFC officially ended on December 31, so a decision on the midfielder’s future is on the cards. The MLS side held an option to make his move a permanent one and there was talk of a £7 million switch being completed, however nothing has been forthcoming so far.
But O’Brien is unlikely to be short of potential suitors. Southampton, Leeds United, West Bromwich Albion, Sheffield United, Stoke City and Hull City were all linked ahead of the January window opening.
Whatever happens, it would be no surprise if his Forest spell comes to an end. Midfield is an area where Nuno is not short of options, especially as Danilo and Ibrahim Sangare are on their way back from injury.
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Harry Toffolo
Game time has proved hard to come by for the left-back this season. He has featured on just three occasions so far, and it remains to be seen whether he will get the nod in Saturday's FA Cup clash with Luton Town (3pm kick-off).
With Toffolo’s contract due to expire in the summer, Forest must decide whether to try to cash in, allow him to leave for free at the end of the campaign or offer fresh terms. The latter seems unlikely, but when it comes to debating whether to let him go this month the club will make any decision carefully. Toffolo is a valued member of the squad, after all, and has played his part in creating a strong team spirit in the dressing room.
Willy Boly
As with Toffolo, the defender has just a few months left to run on his current deal. The club hold an option to extend his terms by a further 12 months, so will soon need to weigh up what they plan to do.
The 33-year-old remains a respected member of the dressing room and his experience is particularly useful. But he finds himself down the central defensive pecking order at present.
Forest won’t want to leave themselves short of cover in a vital department. However, whether Boly is keen for more regular playing time might be a factor in what the future holds. He has also been linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia.
