Nottingham Forest transfer news latest as surprise Man United link-up touted and exit risk explained
The January transfer window is now open and it is an important one for Nottingham Forest.
There is a fine balance for the Reds to strike as they look to strengthen Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad without disrupting what is a united and balanced dressing room. It has been a superb first half of the season for the club and they are eager to build on those foundations in the second half of the campaign.
The rumour mill is already in full swing now teams can do business again. Below, we round up the latest Forest transfer news and gossip.
Maguire move?
Silly season has officially begun when it comes to transfer talk. And Harry Maguire to the City Ground must surely fall into that category.
ESPN have been analysing what the future might hold for some big names whose contracts are due to expire in 2025. Manchester United’s Maguire falls into that category and it is suggested linking up with the Reds would be a good move for the defender.
“Nottingham Forest have the second-lowest possession rate in the league and one of the best defensive records. If they snag a spot in a European competition next season and want to spend a little money while leaning into their counterattacking identity, Maguire would be a particularly intriguing addition,” the report states.
ESPN add the chances are United will trigger a one-year option on Maguire’s deal. Either way, a transfer Trentside seems unlikely as Forest look to continue with their strategy of careful and considered business.
Transfer targets
A forward must be top of the Reds’ shopping list this month. It is the one area where they clearly need more strength in depth. Chris Wood has been in red-hot form but Taiwo Awoniyi is yet to get on the scoresheet this term, so more cover would certainly help.
Apart from that, Forest do not need to do too much work in the window. Nevertheless, they could still target further additions.
The Reds have already been linked with defensive reinforcements such as Atalanta’s Ben Godfrey and Slavia Prague left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf. According to Sky Sports, securing further depth on the wing and a left-footed centre-back could be on the cards.
The report said: “Forest have shown they will be ambitious in the market, not afraid to go for well-known names. They have added some exciting young talent to their squad too and will be on the lookout for further additions in-keeping with their philosophy.”
Reduced risk
For Nuno, the big positive from the summer window was retaining key players. The Portuguese viewed keeping hold of the core of his squad as being just as important as any of the signings made, and he will hope for the same again this month.
There is always a concern when teams and individuals are doing well that rivals will come calling. However, it could be that financial restrictions mean the risk of Forest being impacted in such a way is reduced during this window.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily podcast, Telegraph reporter Luke Edwards said: "All the sporting directors and executives I have spoken to heading into the window are all saying they think transfer fees are going to fall and it's going to be quiet again, as we saw last January when virtually nothing happened. So many clubs are on their PSR (Profitability and Sustainability Rules limit.
"In times gone by, you would look at the Forest team and think they are vulnerable. That someone could come in and chuck £50 million, sign one of their centre-backs and break up that partnership or lure say Morgan Gibbs-White or Anthony Elanga away. But I don't think there is any leeway for even the richest clubs in the country to do that any more.”
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On the move
Former Reds target Willian is a free agent after leaving Olympiacos six months into a one-year deal. The Sun report he could join MLS side Inter Miami while a return to his homeland of Brazil is also an option.
The winger was on Forest’s radar in the summer of 2023 but he ended up staying at Fulham. He then left Craven Cottage at the end of last season and signed for the Reds’ fellow Evangelos Marinakis-owned club Olympiacos.
Announcing his departure on social media, the Greek club said: “Olympiacos FC wishes all the best to Willian in the next steps of his massive career. He will always have a family in Piraeus.”
The 36-year-old was reportedly on nearly £100,000 a week at Olympiacos. He made just six league appearances for the club prior to his exit.
