Nottingham Forest Summer Transfer Window 2024 Analysis: Strategies, needs, areas for improvement and financial capabilities
Nottingham Forest had a tough 2023-24 campaign on and off the pitch. They had a terrible start to the season and they dangled around the relegation zone. It saw manager Steve Cooper getting sacked in December. They replaced him with Nuno Espirito Santo.
There was improvement in performances but the results hardly improved. They started getting some momentum but were then punished with a 4-point deduction for a breach of Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules. They were pushed further into the relegation battle.
Moreover, they had the highest number of players representing their countries at AFCON among the Premier League sides. They also suffered major injury issues. However, in the end, they managed to avoid relegation by a narrow margin. They finished 17th in the table, six points above 18th-placed Luton Town.
Nottingham will now begin their third consecutive stint in the Premier League in the 2024-25 season. However, they need to do major activity in the transfer market. Not only do they need to strengthen their team, but also focus on the Profit and Sustainability Rules to avoid future punishments.
Moreover, some of their players are attracting interest from top clubs and they will look to retain them and add further quality in their team this summer.
Transfer Strategy
Nottingham’s transfer strategy in the last two years has been heavily criticised and it also saw them suffer the consequences last season. When they were promoted to the Premier League ahead of the 2022-23 season, they spent over €190 million on numerous players, building a huge squad.
The Tricky Trees then spent over €130 million last season. While this strategy has seen them maintain their status in the Premier League, it has also cost them in terms of following the rules. Moreover, they have only narrowly escaped relegation and will need to be smart to strengthen their squad to progress.
Areas for Improvement
Goalkeeping
Nottingham Forest signed Matz Sels last season after Matt Turner’s poor performance in goal. Sels is expected to be their first choice with Turner as backup. Unless Turner is sold, they are unlikely to move for a goalkeeper this summer.
Defense
Nottingham conceded 67 goals in the Premier League last season, with only four teams conceding more. Three of them were relegated, with the fourth being West Ham. Hence, the Tricky Trees do need defensive reinforcements.
Moreover, Murillo has been linked with a potential departure, which could further weaken their defense.
Midfield
Morgan Gibbs-White has been linked with a number of clubs. His potential departure could be a huge blow for Nuno’s side and they will need a big replacement.
Even if he doesn’t leave, they need some reinforcements in midfield to help them control a game better.
Attack
Nottingham’s attack looks decent on paper, considering how brilliant the trio of Anthony Elanga, Chris Wood, and Callum Hudson-Odoi performed last season. However, their injury issues were a big problem for the club.
They also have the likes of Taiwo Awoniyi and Emmanuel Dennis in their ranks but will look to add more quality to their overall squad, especially on the wings.
Transfers Completed
Nottingham Forest have sold three players so far, which also has to do with their need to comply with the PSR regulations. They sold Moussa Niakhate and Orel Mangala to Olympique Lyon for €31.90 million and €23.40 million respectively. They’ve also sold Remo Freuler to Bologna for €4.50 million.
Cheikhou Kouyate, Scott McKenna, Loic Mbe Soh, Harry Arter, and Wayne Hennessey have left the club as free agents. Odysseas Vlachidomos has joined Newcastle United for an undisclosed fee.
In terms of incomings, they’ve surprisingly spent over €41 million on midfielder Elliot Anderson from Newcastle United. Midfielder Marko Stamenic arrived from Red Star Belgrade for around €5 million while winger Eric Moreira has joined from St. Pauli for around €2 million.
Top Targets
Nottingham Forest have been linked with a move for Crystal Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone. The Englishman is second choice at Palace and could compete with Sels at Nottingham if a move goes through.
They are also linked with defender Jacob Greaves of Hull City. He is, however, also heavily linked with Ipswich Town. They have also been linked with Uruguayan fullback Maxi Araujo. Nottingham have already made initial contact with him and so have Aston Villa.
They could also look to bring back right-back Djed Spence, whose potential move to Genoa from Tottenham Hotspur has stalled.
Further targets and potential signings will depend on more outgoings, given they have already signed three players.
Financial Capabilities
Nottingham Forest like to spend, having spent over €130 million last season. For reference, it is almost double what the likes of Crystal Palace and Fulham spent.
However, having suffered punishment for breaching Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, they will need to be smart this summer. They’ve already spent around €60 million but also brought in around €48 million from sale.
Their transfer spend will also highly depend upon departures. Selling the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White and Murillo could be a huge blow but it would also bring a good fee.