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Nottingham Forest transfer window lessons to learn after mixed bag of January signings
Nottingham Forest have an important transfer window coming up as they aim to build on their solid start to the Premier League season.
The Reds have the basis of a strong squad already in place so shouldn’t need to do too much work in the new year. But they will still want to make some signings to strengthen Nuno Espirito Santo’s dressing room.
January can often be a tricky month for doing business. Overseeing the right or wrong deals can make or break a season, and selling clubs know they can get away with pushing prices up.
Since promotion was achieved in 2022, Forest have made 10 signings across two winter windows. Below, we take a look at where those players are now and what lessons the Reds can learn going into January 2025.
January 2024
Only a matter of weeks into his tenure at the City Ground, Nuno faced a big January window. The Reds were charged with breaching Profitability and Sustainability Rules that month, something which eventually landed them with a four-point deduction. They were also in a battle to stay up.
As is likely to be the case this coming January, strengthening attacking resources was at the top of the agenda for the club 12 months ago. In particular, they needed back-up for Morgan Gibbs-White in the No.10 role.
Gio Reyna arrived on loan - a player with obvious talent but who was in need of getting his career going again. In the end, he didn’t really manage to do that Trentside.
Likewise, young striker Rodrigo Ribeiro also barely played during his loan stint in the second half of that season. Reyna made 10 appearances in the Garibaldi and Ribeiro managed just five from off the bench. Given it is at the top end of the pitch where Forest will be looking for reinforcements again this time around, after last year’s experience they will be well aware how tough it can be to make the right signings during the month of January.
Matz Sels was the third new face brought in that month. Nuno was quick to install him as his No.1, showing he isn’t afraid of making a goalkeeper change midway through a season.
Whether to undertake another reshuffle between the posts is something the Reds will be weighing up, given they wanted to bring in another keeper this summer. However, Sels’ superb form this term may well mean recruiting in that department can be put off until the end of the campaign.
Where are they now?
Gio Reyna: Back at parent club Borussia Dortmund but still struggling for game time. Injury problems have hampered the American and he has managed only a handful of appearances so far.
Rodrigo Ribeiro: On loan again, this time with Portuguese outfit AVS. Getting more minutes than he did at the City Ground, though, including making a fair few starts.
Matz Sels: Has made a terrific start to the campaign with Forest. Was up for Premier League Player of the Month for October after making some excellent saves.
January 2023
This was a busy window amid the Reds’ first year back in the top tier. They were in the thick of a relegation battle, so needed players to help get them over the line.
Of those brought in, only Danilo and Chris Wood remain at the club. Nuno has been able to get the best out of the latter and Forest will hope Danilo can have a big part to play once he has recovered from a broken ankle.
As for the impact of other January 2023 arrivals, it was something of a mixed bag. Keylor Navas - another keeper change midway through a season - and defender Felipe were the pick. Both played important roles in helping the Reds avoid relegation.
On the flip side, Jonjo Shelvey’s contribution is not exactly remembered fondly. Gustavo Scarpa didn’t make the impact it was hoped he would and Andre Ayew made barely any waves at all.
The Reds were in a very different position that year to where they are now; that season was all about survival and doing what needed to be done. In recent windows, as they look to establish themselves at this level, the club have put some focus on bringing in younger players with the potential to develop. Danilo falls into that category, but back in January 2023 bringing in experience was seen as being vital.
As with any signing, though, there is never any guarantee they will work out. The mixed success of that window proves as such and shows how difficult it is to get recruitment right.
Where are they now?
Gustavo Scarpa: Back in Brazil after his move to the Premier League didn’t go as hoped. Is now with Atletico Mineiro, where he has been a regular starter and has chipped in with a few goals.
Danilo: Making good progress in recovering from the broken ankle he sustained on the opening day of the season. Nuno has said there is still a long way to go before he is back out on the pitch, however.
Chris Wood: Started the season in red-hot form in front of goal. Became Forest’s first ever Premier League Player of the Month winner when he took the award for October.
Felipe: Left the City Ground in the summer when his contract expired, having already indicated he planned to hang up his boots. Injuries hindered him during the final year of his career.
Jonjo Shelvey: Still plying his trade in Turkey. Initially linked up with Caykur Rizespor when he left the Reds but switched to Eyupspor in August. Has generally been used as a substitute in league games.
Keylor Navas: A free agent after leaving PSG in the summer. Has been linked with a January move to Tottenham Hotspur.
Andre Ayew: Currently with French outfit Le Havre. Goals have proved hard to come by for the 34-year-old in the opening weeks of the season.
