Latest Nottingham Forest news as Steve Cooper’s Reds look ahead to January transfer window.
Nottingham Forest knew they needed to get their transfer business right in the summer in order to help them kick on in the Premier League.
It is still early days, but the signs point to the Reds having done some very good business. Some of their new additions have already stood out, while others are beginning to find their feet.
It was an important window for the club. The deals done should mean only minimal tweaking to the squad is required come January.
Nevertheless, Forest will soon have some key calls to make as a number of players are on contracts due to expire at the end of the season. If they don’t want to risk seeing those players walk away on a free next summer, there is the option to either cash-in when the window reopens or offer fresh terms.
It may still seem a long time away, but January will soon come around. With that in mind, we take a look at the players the Reds will need to make decisions on.
Ethan Horvath
Head coach Steve Cooper has already hinted a January exit might be a consideration for the goalkeeper. Forest brought in Matt Turner and Odysseas Vlachodimos to compete for the No.1 spot, and with Wayne Hennessey seen as third-choice stopper it meant Horvath was left out of the 25-man Premier League squad.
Having enjoyed a successful loan spell at at Luton Town last term, the American no doubt wants to be playing games. He won’t get that at the City Ground, so a move could well be on the cards.
Wayne Hennessey
It seems unlikely the Reds would consider letting two goalkeepers go in January. Hennessey has been pushed down the pecking order, having at least been back-up on the bench last season, but past experience suggests things can change quickly with injuries and suspensions.
If required, he can step in. It remains to be seen what the summer brings, though.
George Shelvey
Back in the summer, the young goalkeeper said he was keen to go out on loan. January might present an opportunity to do that, if it is considered best for his development.
Loic Mbe Soh
The defender has struggled to force his way into Cooper’s plans and is currently on loan at Almere City. On that basis, it would be a surprise if a new contract is forthcoming.
His loan spell is a chance for the centre-back to put himself in the shop window. However, potential suitors would probably be more likely to wait until he becomes a free agent than commit to spending in January.
Scott McKenna
Perhaps one of the biggest decisions facing the club centres around the Scot. Cooper spoke not too long ago about how he feels McKenna still has room for growth, but he finds himself down the pecking order at the moment – not even making the match squad for the past three games.
McKenna was a key part of the promotion-winning side. Nevertheless, the Reds must now weigh up whether to offer him fresh terms.
Willy Boly
If anyone is doing their best to earn a new deal, it is Boly. He has been superb so far this term – undoubtedly one of Forest’s best players.
He is highly regarded by Cooper, just as much for what he brings to the dressing room as on the pitch. The centre-back may be 32, but offering him another year could be a good move.
Felipe
What happens with the Brazilian is likely to depend on his fitness. He is yet to get on the pitch for the first-team this season as he continues to contend with a knee injury.
He was a class act last term, playing a key role as survival was secured. If he can recover and show that kind of form again, the Reds might want to hang on to him – even though he is 34.
Serge Aurier
The 30-year-old has proved to be a terrific bit of business, having joined little more than 12 months ago as a free agent. He was excellent last season.
This time around, Aurier hasn’t quite matched those levels of consistency yet. But he has still played his part in an encouraging start to the campaign.
There was interest in him from Saudi Arabia in the summer, but he is believed to have been keen to stay Trentside – even amid extra competition for the right-back spot. Offering him a new contract would go down well.
Ola Aina
Another free transfer who has made his mark. Aina had been one of the Reds’ most consistent performers until injury stopped him in his tracks.
When he put pen to paper, future options were included in his one-year deal. He has surely done enough to merit the club getting him tied down for longer.
Cheikhou Kouyate
The midfielder has generally had to settle for a substitutes’ role since Forest strengthened in the summer. He is a solid option to have on the bench. But given it is an area where the club are well stocked, earning a new deal might prove tough.
Chris Wood
With Taiwo Awoniyi sidelined, Wood and AC Milan loanee Divock Origi will be aiming to fill the void. The New Zealander is capable of scoring vital goals and Cooper views him as a valuable member of the squad.
Nevertheless, given they have been struggling to find the back of the net, up front might well be an area the Reds target as being in need of reinforcements – either in January or next summer. If they do bring another striker in, that might impact where Wood fits in.
Harry Arter
If an offer comes in for the midfielder in January, it would get snapped up. He has not been part of the picture for some time.
In addition to those players on permanent deals whose contracts expire in 2024, loans for Origi, Nuno Tavares, Andrey Santos and Gonzalo Montiel will also run out at that point. Reports have suggested Chelsea are considering recalling Santos in January as he has struggled for game time so far.
