The five major transfers Nottingham Forest already have in pipeline for next season - including £63m superstar
Nottingham Forest are closing in on Champions League qualification
Nottingham Forest are on the cusp of achieving Champions League qualification for the first time since 1981 after picking up a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Manchester United at the City Ground.
The Tricky Trees, who are also preparing for an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium after defeating Brighton on penalties in the quarter-final, showed no hangover against the Red Devils and held off Ruben Amorim’s side with great effect despite the absence of top scorer Chris Wood and a key creative source in Callum Hudson-Odoi.
It marked Forest’s 17th win of the season so far - the same amount as Arsenal and three more than champions Manchester City - and leaves Nuno Espirito Santo’s side now eight points clear of fourth placed Chelsea and a further nine points ahead of Pep Guardiola’s side with just eight games to spare.
Baring in mind, UEFA’s Co-efficient is expected to give the Premier League five European places, it seems highly unlikely that Forest won’t pick up one of them barring a major collapse. Forest have been this season’s surprise package and fans are already looking forward to plenty of glamorous away games on the continent in a competition that they have rich history in, having been crowned European Champions twice under Brian Clough.
The Reds last competed in Europe under Frank Clark in 1997 and have not participated in the Champions League since way back in 1981. Recruitment will be crucial if Forest are to maintain their upwards trajectory and with that in mind, we take a look at the main deals currently in the pipeline, according to recent reports.
Nottingham Forest aim to smash their club-record transfer fee
Nottingham Forest are expected to compete with both Arsenal and Liverpool for the signature of highly-rated Wolves forward Matheus Cunha. The Brazil international was the subject of rampant speculation linking him with a move to the City Ground in January before signing an extension at Molieneux.
However, his new deal includes a reported release clause of £62.5m, which Nuno Espirito Santo’s side could look to activate if they make it into Europe’s elite competition. Cunha has scored 15 times in 29 appearances for a struggling Wolves side this term and is blessed with the ability to play on either wing, as a centre forward or even as a central attacking midfield playmaker.
Football Insider believes that Forest are well-placed to sign Cunha in a move which would nearly double their current club-record transfer of £35m for ex-Newcastle ace Elliot Anderson last summer. The player has made it clear that he’s ready to leave his current club in the hope of challenging for major silverware next season.
Nottingham Forest hope to keep talented defender
Highly-rated Forest full-back Ola Aina has just a few months remaining on his deal in what would be a devastating blow if he was to depart on a free. The Nigerian has been in top form this season and has been touted as a potential target for a number of top clubs if he doesn’t sign an extension. Liverpool and Manchester City are among the Premier League clubs linked with the former Chelsea youth academy star, while Italian giants AC Milan, who have developed a real fondness for players from England’s top tier, could also be in the running for his signature.
However, Nottingham Live claim Aina is committed to the Tricky Trees and remains keen to sign an extension. He told the outlet when asked if he would stay: “I hope so, I really enjoy it here. “I enjoy the staff, the players, the club, the community. Everything about it is a good place, so, yeah, hopefully.”
Asked last month if good news is expected soon, Nuno Espirito Santo said: “I think so. Things are going well. I am positive and confident everything is going to be solved.”
A crucial £11m decision
Summer signing Alex Moreno has been left to the periphery of the Nottingham Forest squad in recent months after arriving on loan from Aston Villa in the summer. The Spaniard has made just 14 league appearances and has mostly played second fiddle to Neco Williams. His deal includes an £11m option to buy, which Forest could still activate to give them squad depth ahead of a big European campaign.
Forest expert Paul Taylor has explained that Moreno’s future is far from certain. He said, via the Athletic: “It is easy to presume that the fact he [Moreno] has not played very much, in terms of starting games at least, is a sign that they [Forest] might not want to keep him.
“But he is a really popular figure in the dressing room and a player that Nuno trusts. You don’t get the sense that the interest that Forest had in signing him permanently has waned significantly, despite his lack of game time, even if the dynamic has admittedly changed a little bit.”
Also being considered, according to Nottingham Forest News is Feyenoord star Hugo Beuno, who has shown steady potential since arriving from Wolves, particularly in the Champions League.
Three players depart on a free
Former Wolves defender Willy Boly signed a one-year extension to remain with the club last term but is expected to depart on a free this summer after featuring in just five league matches this term. Meanwhile, left-back Harry Toffolo, who has played even less matches this term, is also expected to leave on a free transfer after falling down the pecking order this term.
Meanwhile, 38-year-old veteran goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, who was released last summer before being re-signed on a short-term deal in January, is expected to depart this summer as his contract approaches its climax.
If extending his playing career isn’t on the cards, the ex-Crystal Palace stopper has been hotly tipped to land a role with the Wales men’s under-21 squad, with their manager Matty Jones revealing last month that he’s already approach the experienced stopper with a view to appointing him in a goalkeeper coach role. The Bangor-born ‘keeper has made 107 caps for Wales’ senior side, and was a Championship winner with Wolverhampton Wanderers back in the 2008-09 season.