Nottingham Forest sign £60m striker and ex-Aston Villa defender in dream XI - if rumours are true
Nottingham Forest are expected to spend big if they achieve European qualification
Nottingham Forest are hoping to embark on their first Champions League adventure since the glory years of Brian Clough. The Tricky Trees have been the Premier League’s surprise package this season with an impressive 54 points from their opening 29 games, leaving them firmly on course to make Europe’s elite competition for the first time since 1981.
The likes of Chris Wood, Morgan Gibbs-White, Ola Aina, Murillo and Elliot Anderson are all enjoying stellar campaigns the City Ground this season but reports from a number of outlets including Football Insider have forecast that Nottingham Forest will continue to spend big on new recruits if they are to secure Champions League football this season.
With that in mind, we take a look at the star-studded XI that Nottingham Forest could field next season if they are able to secure the signatures of some of most prominent talents they have been linked with in the summer transfer window.
Nottingham Forest land England international defender
Goalkeeper: Matz Sels. Belgian international Matz Sels is likely to be included in most people’s teams of the season come May. The former Newcastle United man has been an ever present this season and has been crucial to the success of one of the best defences in English football.
Right-back: Ola Aina. Ola Aina is in the final year of his contract and has been cited as a potential target for Manchester United. However, the Nigerian has been key to Forest’s success this season and is likely to remain a key player in the squad if he agrees a new deal.
Centre back: Fikayo Tomori (signing). Fikayo Tomori enjoyed a season long loan spell at rivals Derby in 2018/19 but is still thought to be a target for Forest as they prepare for the prospect of European football. The five-time England international has played over 100 games for AC Milan lifting a league title, a Supercoppa Italiana and reaching a Champions League semi-final. He is currently out of favour at the San Siro and according to Nottingham Post is a target for the City Ground club.
Centre back: Murillo. Brazil international Murillo and Nikola Milenković have both been influential this season and are likely to get regular minutes in the backline next term if they can fend off interest from other big clubs.
Left-back: Neco Williams. Welsh left-back Neco Williams has had a strong campaign and is expected to continue his development in the first team at 23.
Ex-Aston Villa hero returns to England
Central midfield: Douglas Luiz (signing). Former Aston Villa hero Douglas Luiz is struggling to settle in Turin with Juventus and is reportedly considering a move back to English football with Nottingham Forest showing interest. The Brazil international is a solid all-rounder with great stamina, strength and the ability to strike a ball from distance.
Central midfield: Elliot Anderson. Eyebrows were raised when Nottingham Forest splashed out £40m on Newcastle squad player Elliot Anderson, but the Whitley-bay midfielder has proven to be one of the signings of the season. He was unlucky not to make the England squad and has been in inspired form this term.
Central attacking midfielder: Morgan Gibbs-White. A standout performer with five goals and seven assists this term, Morgan Gibbs-White just seems to be growing more effective with each passing season. He’s a true fan favourite at the moment at the City Ground.
A club-record £60m signing
Right-winger: Callum Hudson-Odoi. Callum Hudson-Odoi is finally showing signs of becoming the player that attracted great hype at Chelsea. The winger has been a game-changer this season and is expected to remain a key player next term.
Striker: Chris Wood. Former Newcastle striker Chris Wood is Nottingham Forest’s all-time top scorer of the Premier League era with 33 goals in 67 games, with 18 of those coming this season.
Left-wing: Matheus Cunha (signing). Nottingham Forest are reportedly plotting a club-record move to prise Matheus Cunha away from Wolves. The Brazilian has been a standout performer at Molineux and after signing a new deal has a release clause of around £60m. He can play as both an attacking midfielder, a forward and as a winger - bringing versatility and quality to an exciting Forest frontline if he is acquired.
Starting XI: Sels; Aina, Tomori, Murillo, Williams; Luiz, Anderson, Gibbs-White; Hudson-Odoi, Wood, Cunha. Valuation: £207m.