A rollercoaster season is heading for the finish line, and Nottingham Forest will hope it ends with their Premier League status maintained.
The Reds are in control of their own destiny as they approach the final two matches, and the outcome will have a significant impact on what happens in the summer. But whether it be another campaign in the top-flight or the Championship the Reds are planning for, they have a big transfer window on the horizon.
Getting the right signings in will be key, particularly as the recruitment has come under scrutiny amid Forest’s relegation battle. And decisions will also need to be made on those players currently on the books - notably those whose contracts will be up. We take a look at what the future might hold.
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Goalkeepers
An area of the pitch which needs addressing whichever division the Reds are in. The two players who have held down the spot between the posts this term are both on loan, in Keylor Navas and Dean Henderson. The latter’s future at parent club Manchester United is uncertain, but trying to get him back at the City Ground would certainly be easier if Forest have Premier League football to offer.
With another year to run on his contract beyond this summer, it makes sense to keep Wayne Hennessey on as back-up. But calls will have to be made over Jordan Smith and Ethan Horvath, who have been out on loan.
Horvath has done well for Luton Town, so could be an option to consider if Forest do find themselves back in the Championship - albeit the Hatters have previously hinted they have an option to keep him. Meanwhile, although Smith has frequently been praised for being a good squad man, it wouldn’t be a surprise if his time Trentside comes to an end.
Contract details: Dean Henderson - on loan until summer; Keylor Navas - on loan until summer; Jordan Smith (on loan at Huddersfield Town) - expires 2023; Ethan Horvath (on loan at Luton Town) - 2024; Wayne Hennessey - 2024.
Centre-backs
Six of the Reds’ central defenders have deals which run out in 2024, in Joe Worrall, Loic Mbe Soh, Scott McKenna, Steve Cook, Willy Boly and Felipe. Given clubs often weigh up whether to cash in or start considering fresh terms when players have 12 months left to run on contracts, it is likely to be a decisive summer for Forest’s defensive ranks.
Mbe Soh has struggled to force his way into contention since he joined in 2020 and joined Guingamp on loan in January. If there is an opportunity for him to move on, it might suit all parties.
The others have all played a part, to some degree, this season. Cook was left out of the 25-man squad when it was revised after the January window, but head coach Steve Cooper said at the time the decision didn’t necessarily point to the end of his Reds spell.
With Moussa Niakhate also under contract and Giulian Biancone (who has missed most of this term with an ACL injury) able to play there, it is an area where Forest are well stocked when everyone is fit. But what happens in the next few weeks could affect how the club view their options.
Contract details: Joe Worrall - 2024; Loic Mbe Soh (on loan at Guingamp) -2024; Scott McKenna - 2024; Steve Cook - 2024; Jonathan Panzo (on loan at Coventry City) - 2025; Giulian Biancone - 2025; Moussa Niakhate - 2025, with an option for a further 12 months; Willy Boly - 2024; Felipe - 2024.
Full-backs
Fans will hope they finally get a glimpse of Omar Richards next term, given he is yet to make his debut due to injury. He is one of three left-backs on the books, along with Renan Lodi (on loan from Atletico Madrid) and Harry Toffolo. Neco Williams has shown he can play on both flanks.
Forest have an option to make Lodi’s move permanent, although whether that would be a goer in the event of relegation is debatable. Richards’ fitness may also be a factor; the Reds won’t want to have a surplus of options.
On the opposite flank, Serge Aurier has disclosed there is a close in his deal which would see it automatically extended if survival is achieved. That would certainly work out well, given he has been a key figure.
In Mohamed Drager and Richie Laryea, Forest have two other right-backs out on loan. Both would likely face a fight to force their way into Cooper’s thinking whatever happens, though.
Contract details: Mohamed Drager (on loan at FC Luzern, with an option for permanent move) - undisclosed; Richie Laryea (on loan at Toronto) - 2025; Omar Richards - 2026; Neco Williams - 2026; Harry Toffolo - undisclosed; Renan Lodi - on loan until summer, with an option for permanent move; Serge Aurier - 2023, depending on whether survival is achieved.
Central midfielders
What happens with Lewis O’Brien is perhaps the most interesting point to consider here. His loan at DC United runs until July. Cooper has previously said he still has a future at the club, despite how close he came to joining Blackburn Rovers in January - a deal which would have included a purchase clause should promotion have been achieved.
A decision will need to be made over whether to offer Jack Colback a new contract, with his current one ending in the summer. Be it in the Premier League or the Championship, he has shown he can still be a valuable squad member and is regarded highly by Cooper.
Cafu is in the same position but has not been included in the 25-man squad, so an offer of fresh terms would come as a surprise. Forest will also try to move on Harry Arter when the window opens, although as has already been the case, that may be easier said than done.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, in Danilo the Reds look to have a really promising talent. That he is tied down to a long six-and-a-half-year contract bodes well.
Contract details: Jack Colback - 2023; Cafu - 2023; Ryan Yates - 2025; Harry Arter - 2024; Braian Ojeda (on loan at Real Salt Lake, with an option for a permanent move) - 2025; Lewis O’Brien (on loan at DC United, with an option for a permanent move) - undisclosed; Orel Mangala - 2026; Cheikhou Kouyate - 2024; Remo Freuler - undisclosed; Gustavo Scarpa - 2026; Danilo - 2029; Jonjo Shelvey - 2025.
Attacking midfielders
Jesse Lingard’s situation is bound to attract a lot of attention come the summer. Not so long ago, Cooper suggested he would be happy to work with the former Manchester United man for as long as possible. But recently, Lingard has struggled to get a look-in - injuries have not helped - and he has been linked with a move elsewhere.
The spotlight may well also fall upon Morgan Gibbs-White, along with Brennan Johnson. Should the worst happen, supporters will no doubt worry that other clubs will come circling for Forest’s prized assets. Remaining in the Premier League undoubtedly puts the Reds in a better position to fend off any interest - although even that might not stop some suitors from trying their luck with Johnson, in particular.
The Reds will also need to consider where Alex Mighten stands. His loan at Sheffield Wednesday was ended early this season. If Forest stay up, it will only make it more difficult for him to get an opportunity again.
Likewise, it will be interesting to see what happens with Josh Bowler. He has had a tough time on loan at Olympiacos and then Blackpool, where he has been through the pain of relegation.
Contract details: Alex Mighten - 2025; Brandon Aguilera (on loan at Estoril) - 2026; Jesse Lingard - 2023; Morgan Gibbs-White - 2027; Josh Bowler (on loan at Blackpool) - undisclosed.
Strikers
As mentioned above, it would be little surprise if Johnson attracts interest in the summer. Survival would no doubt go a long way to easing a few fears on that front.
Sam Surridge will have a year left on his contract at that point, so the Reds will soon need to weigh up where he stands. There could be a couple of departures in Lyle Taylor and Andre Ayew. The latter only penned a short-term deal when he joined in January, while Taylor has not been in the 25-man squad and seems likely to move on.
Contract details: Lyle Taylor - 2023; Sam Surridge - 2024; Taiwo Awoniyi - 2027; Emmanuel Dennis - 2026; Hwang Ui-jo (on loan at FC Seoul) - 2025; Andre Ayew - 2023; Chris Wood - clause in his loan from Newcastle United has been activated, meaning he will officially become a permanent signing in the summer, on a deal until 2024.
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