Boss Chris Hughton is plotting only minor “tweaks” to his Nottingham Forest squad in January.
Wary of adding too many new faces, given 14 arrived in the summer, Hughton has said there will not be wholesale changes when the transfer window opens. But it could mean a few departures as the Reds look to cut numbers.
Forest also have several players whose contracts are due to expire in the summer - both loan and permanent signings.
And although that seems a long time away, there will be some who the club at least look into making a decision on early, to avoid losing them for nothing when their deals expire.
Here’s our assessment of the players who will be out of contract in 2021.
Abdoulaye Diallo
Arrived in the last transfer window to ensure the Reds had three senior shot-stoppers on the books.
He’s quickly become something of a forgotten figure, though. Jordan Smith has been providing back-up for Brice Samba, while boss Chris Hughton recently said Diallo has been struggling with injury.
The 28-year-old penned a one-year deal when he joined, with the option of a second year.
However, he came in when Sabri Lamouchi was still in charge, so Hughton may well have his own assessment of the goalkeeper situation.
It seems unlikely that’s a decision he’ll make in January, though, given there are other, more pressing, areas to look at.
Michael Dawson
Veteran defender signed a one-year extension in June and continues to be an influential figure in the changing room, even if he is yet to get on the pitch this term.
The 37-year-old has said he still believes he has something to offer, although admits having contemplated “the next chapter” while he has been out injured.
Without wishing to write him off too soon, there has to be doubt over whether Dawson would get another playing deal at the City Ground - nor can you imagine the club trying to move him on next month.
Surly the next step has to be getting him tied down to some kind of coaching role.
Cyrus Christie
Right-back is on a season-long loan from Fulham, with the option for Forest to make his move permanent.
Another one where there’s no need to make a call on his future just yet.
He’s been a regular under both Hughton and Lamouchi, so expect him to see out his loan spell and then reassess at the end of the campaign.
Tendayi Darikwa
What happens with Christie, however, is likely to impact on Darikwa - and it could also affect what happens in January.
Darikwa has been out of the picture this term, having come back from a serious injury at the back end of last season.
Given the Reds have Christie and Carl Jenkinson (out of contract in 2022) as right-back options, it is an area where numbers could be trimmed next month.
Rather than lose him for nothing, Forest could look to try to get something for Darikwa when the window opens.
If not, perhaps a loan move to at least get him some game time.
Michael Hefele
Defender’s last game in the Garibaldi came in January 2019. He’s been injured and then out of the reckoning since then.
One of the players the Reds will surely look to move on next month - but could be easier said than done, as has proved the case in previous windows.
Sammy Ameobi
After an extension kicked in, the winger’s contract will come to an end next year.
On his day, he’s capable of causing opposition defences plenty of problems - as he showed on Tuesday night, against Sheffield Wednesday.
Given the Reds need all the creativity they can get, it seems unlikely he’ll be going anywhere before the summer. Expect a decision closer to the time.
Luke Freeman
On a season-loan from Sheffield United, with the option for his move to become permanent beyond that.
Has yet to really show what he can do and now faces longer on the sidelines after a hernia operation.
Much like some of the other loanees, Forest will surely wait to see how things pan out over the following months. No need to do anything before then.
Cafu
Another one of the club’s loan players, due to spend the campaign in the Championship from fellow Evangelos Marinakis-owned outfit Olympiacos.
He has generally impressed. And if he continues that form, the Reds will no doubt want to look into keeping him Trentside.
Samba Sow
Injury troubles have hampered the midfielder’s time at the City Ground. But when he’s fit and flying, he can be very effective.
Given the club are believed to have paid only a small fee when they signed him, it wouldn’t be too much of a concern if he does end up leaving for nothing in the summer.
Of course, there’s always a chance he could earn a new deal. That might depend on how his knees hold up over the next few months.
Zach Clough
In a similar position to Hefele in that he’s not part of the first-team set-up - and hasn’t been for some time.
A fresh start would benefit all parties.
Has been linked with moves away before, but it’s unlikely Forest would be able to recoup much of the roughly £2.5m they spent to sign him.
January is the last chance to try to get something back for him, though.
Miguel Angel Guerrero
Signed a one-year deal, with the option of another 12 months beyond that when he moved from Olympiacos in the summer.
Although he doesn’t look like being a prolific goalscorer, he does provide something a bit different up front and gives Hughton options.
Forest didn’t splash out a great amount for him, so he’s another one where a decision is likely to be made further down the line.
Before the summer, the Reds will see Anthony Knockaert’s loan from Fulham expire next month, although they do have the option to buy.
Hughton has said no decision has yet been made about what will happen, but it could well depend on the Cottagers’ asking price.
If there’s a possibility of extending his loan until the summer and then reassessing, that might be a better option - although that could depend on whether there are other suitors for his signature.
