The £88m striker gem Nottingham Forest could sign in January to supercharge survival hopes
This Nottingham Forest signing in the January transfer window could transform their season
Nottingham Forest have not had it easy so far this season, to say the least. Three different managers, contrasting styles of play, big-money signings exiled to the sidelines. It is no wonder that Sean Dyche’s side currently find themselves in a relegation battle.
Without recording a single victory since the opening day of the season, Forest are down in 19th place - a far cry from their seventh-placed finish of last season. With matches against Leeds United, Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion coming up, things are not going to get much easier for the Tricky Trees.
Dyche may ultimately need to delve into the January transfer market to ensure his side retain their Premier League status with a strong run of form after Christmas, in what looks set to be a tense relegation battle. One recently-linked forward player could prove the difference if Forest are to get themselves out of danger.
Samu Aghehowa move could save Nottm Forest’s season
According to reports by Caught Offside in recent days, Forest have been linked with Porto striker Samu Aghehowa, who is attracting significant interest across the continent after a rapid rise to prominence which has seen him become a part of the Spain squad.
Tottenham Hotspur are cited as one of the front-runners ‘tracking’ the 21-year-old, alongside Forest, Arsenal, Newcastle United and some of the top clubs in La Liga. The 6ft 4in striker has scored 36 goals in 57 matches for Porto and has been viewed as one of the brightest striker talents on the continent for some time. He came awfully close to joining Chelsea from Atletico Madrid last summer before an injury pulled the plug on the deal, and he later signed for Porto instead.
The Portuguese giants are believed to have inserted an €100 million (£88m) release clause into Aghehowa’s contract, and are ‘adamant’ they will not negotiate below that figure. But Caught Offside state that sources close to the club claim that Porto could ‘soften their stance if a substantial bid is presented’.
Aghehowa could replace the injured Chris Wood for years to come
Essential to Forest’s rise up the table since their promotion to the Premier League have been the goals of Chris Wood, who has struck 39 times for the club including 20 last season. But the 33-year-old’s goals have begun to dry up, with his only league strikes this term coming on the opening day of the season against Brentford, whilst a recent injury may have sped up the club’s need to find a long-term successor to the New Zealander.
Brazilian striker Igor Jesus has shown flashes since his summer move from Botafogo, but none of his five goals have come in the Premier League and the 24-year-old is still adapting to playing in Europe. Whilst Arnaud Kalimuendo has struggled to settle since his arrival from France and may already be set for the exit door according to reports.
To bring in Aghehowa in January could prove a transformational signing. Not only does he possess a lot of the hold-up play and natural finishing ability of Wood, his pace in behind would be a huge benefit if Forest are to recreate their counter-attacking prowess under Nuno Espirito Santo. The young Spaniard could be right at the top of the game before too long, so Dyche’s side would be smart to secure a move now and hope the 21-year-old can drag them up with him.