July will be an important month for Nottingham Forest as Steve Cooper ’s side look ahead to the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.
It is a big pre-season for the squad as they aim to kick on, and their first friendly of the summer takes place on July 15. Transfer activity is also expected to ramp up in the coming weeks as the Reds await their first signing and look to oversee some outgoings.
The business done will not be on the same scale as last year, when 22 new arrivals came through the City Ground doors on the back of promotion being secured. Cooper has said “more normal” numbers are expected this time around.
But that means getting the right players in is particularly important. With that in mind, in our version of fantasy football, we have a look at the signings who could make a difference for Forest next term in what would represent a dream transfer window.
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Goalkeeper
It’s common knowledge by now that Dean Henderson is a priority target for the Reds. Getting a deal done is a different matter, however.
Manchester United’s own goalkeeping situation is proving a stumbling block as they want to get a No.1 in place before letting the former Forest loanee go. The signs continue to be positive that Henderson will return Trentside on a permanent basis eventually, but it is clearly taking longer than hoped.
The Reds will hope if they are kept waiting, they at least manage to get the 26-year-old at a decent price. Talk of a £30 million fee seems steep, but reports of a £15m deal with add-ons have also done the rounds.
It may be that Forest actually need to recruit two keepers, if they allow George Shelvey to leave on loan and want to make sure they have three senior custodians on the books. Various players continue to be linked, in addition to Henderson, but the club would be unlikely to want to spend a great deal on a second stopper.
Centre-back
Cooper does already have numbers in this department. But with several of them having 12 months left on their current contracts, decisions will need to be made over whether to cash-in or to offer fresh terms.
As the Reds aim to tighten up at the back, assessing their options makes sense. Stuttgart’s Konstantinos Mavropanos is among those to be linked, with the Greek press suggesting Evangelos Marinakis is particularly keen to bring in his countryman. A release clause of 25m euros (£21m) has been quoted, but his club could let him go for 15-20m euros (£12.8-17m).
Left-back
The fitness of Omar Richards will no doubt impact what Forest look to do here. Yet to make his debut in the Garibaldi, the hope will be that he at least gets to show what he can do in pre-season.
Given he has been absent for such a long period of time, however, bringing in reinforcements may still be required. Bringing Renan Lodi back permanently would be the ideal scenario. However, that appears tricky to do and the Reds would also want to lower the fee, having previously had a 30m euros (£25m) option to buy.
Monza’s Carlos Augusto would be a good alternative option and is valued at £8m. Tottenham Hotspur’s Ryan Sessegnon could also take on the wing-back role, with his versatility of being able to play further forward also being useful.
Midfield
There is already competition for places in the centre of the pitch, but with Jonjo Shelvey expected to move on and doubt over Remo Freuler’s future, reinforcements could be required. It remains to be seen whether Lewis O’Brien is seen as having a part to play, with his DC United loan coming to an end.
The Reds are among those credited with an interest in Leeds United’s Tyler Adams. However, the USA international does have plenty of suitors and the £40m price tag being touted may be a hindrance for Forest.
Winger
Cooper needs to bolster his attacking arsenal for next term. In addition to adding a striker, bringing in someone who can play on the left would really add to the Reds’ threat at the top end of the pitch.
Manchester City starlet Carlos Borges would be an exciting addition. Highly-rated, the 19-year-old is predominantly a left winger but is capable of playing across a front three and is just as comfortable on the right. Said to be valued at £11m, it is unclear whether the Premier League champions would be willing to sell such a talented prospect or whether a loan would be more likely.
Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi also offers versatility, and Cooper knows him well from his time with England Under-17s. The Blues are said to be ready to let him go, potentially for £15m.
Striker
Taiwo Awoniyi was sorely missed during his time on the sidelines last term. The Reds need to make sure they have sufficient cover up front, with someone who can share the goalscoring burden.
Forest are said to have enquired about Swansea City forward Joel Piroe. Almeria’s El Bilal Toure has also been linked, although reports have suggested Everton have made a 40m euros (£34m) bid for the player.
