Keep or release: Our writers debate Nottingham Forest’s 13 out-of-contract players

Nottingham Forest will sign off for the summer when they face Burnley today, and for some players it could prove to be their final appearance in the Garibaldi.

Several members of the Reds squad will see their deals expire this summer. Some have played more than others, some are loanees and others have been on loan elsewhere.

It remains to be seen whether the club opt to tie any of them down to fresh terms. Below, Forest reporter Sarah Clapson and Garibaldi Red host Max Hayes have their say on what should happen.

Wayne Hennessey

MH: Release, for me. Forest have so many goalkeepers, and with Matz Sels as our No.1 now and Matt Turner as No.2, it seems the keeper situation is sorted for Forest. We need a smaller, more compact squad and to keep players happy – we have to learn from previous mistakes. Look at Arter – still here!

SC: The goalkeeper situation is going to be interesting. I can see one of Odysseas Vlachodimos and Turner leaving – more likely the former as rumours have done the rounds that he is unhappy with the lack of game time. That would leave Turner and Sels, but Forest would still need to make sure they have a third senior keeper on the books. I can’t see it being Hennessey, though.

Willy Boly

SC: A no-brainer to get a new deal sorted. His experience is so valuable – and he’s still a very good defender. If he had been available for more games, Forest might well have had a few more points.

MH: 100 percent, new contract. Since he’s come back from injury, he’s shown the Premier League quality and depth of experience in his area. He knows how the league works and ultimately knows how to be a leader and lead a back four. Must keep him. He’ll be a crucial part of Forest’s future plans.

Felipe

MH: Sad to see him retire, but he’ll always be remembered for his character – and probably his good looks from the Forest mums! Good servant, wish him the best. What stops us keeping him on as an academy coach and around the football club? A positive atmosphere is vital.

SC: Made a big contribution in a short space of time, given he has made only 25 appearances for the club. It would be fitting if he managed one final run-out at Turf Moor and got the chance to unleash one of his famous celebratory flips.

Ola Aina

MH: Again, similar to Boly. We have to keep him. His pace, freedom and drive when playing is key to an attacking Forest side. Look at how he played against Man City, the best team in the world. His partnership most recently with Callum Hudson-Odoi has been key, too.

SC: Agree, getting him to put pen to paper is a must. The fact he can operate on both flanks makes him a particularly valuable member of the squad. Nuno is keen to have players with that kind of versatility as he looks to work with a tight-knit group. The signing of Aina as a free agent last summer will go down as a terrific bit of business. Even more so if Forest sort out keeping him on.

Cheikhou Kouyate

SC: You could probably make a case either way. Forest are pretty well stocked in midfield and he has largely been restricted to a substitutes’ role, but it is important not to be left short in key areas and he is a valued member of the dressing room. Even when he hasn’t been playing much, Kouyate has been a big influence off the pitch. Nuno certainly appreciates him for that. On balance, though, I would say letting him go would be best.

MH: This is a difficult one. For me, I’d say keep. He is a good option to come off the bench and break up play, but he always seems to be lacking match fitness and that cutting edge. I can’t see him starting in Forest’s midfield next season. Let’s keep the squad smaller.

Gonzalo Montiel

MH: New contract, keep. I think he’s a solid option. A World Cup winner in the dressing room is always nice to have. It’s also more depth within those full-back positions.

SC: I disagree. For me, Montiel’s loan spell has been pretty mixed. If he was hoping to convince Forest to sign him permanently, I’m not sure his last two performances will have helped his cause. I think there are better options out there to strengthen at right-back – and don’t forget, Aina can play there.

Nuno Tavares

SC: He has shown glimpses of what he is capable of. But as with Montiel, I think he has been hit and miss. If Omar Richards’ injury woes are behind him and he can prove himself in pre-season, he could be a better option at left-back. Forest would still have Harry Toffolo on the books, plus Aina and Neco Williams able to fill in. Not sure I’d sign Tavares permanently.

MH: New contract. But it’ll be interesting to see what his future is at Forest. Similar to Aina, his pace and athleticism will help an attacking side. Defensively he’s been let down. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him let go. However, I think, as mentioned with Montiel, more options in the full-back positions will be key.

Gio Reyna

MH: A disappointment, really, given the hype from US fans. But has he really been given time to settle in and try to play a part? Probably not. I’d say, new contract, risk it and let’s hope he can improve with a full summer in Nottingham.

SC: It is a tough one. He clearly has talent, but Forest haven’t seen anything like the best of him. As Max says, though, he has barely played and hasn’t been able to develop any kind of momentum. He will probably go on to be a big hit, either back at Borussia Dortmund or elsewhere, and questions will be asked over why he didn’t do it at the City Ground.

Divock Origi

MH: Release. It’s been frustrating to see someone of his calibre and name simply fail. Missed chances, opportunities and attitude haven’t helped. Make room for another *Premier League* striker.

SC: Falls in the category of signings who have not worked out. Forest do need attacking additions this summer, but it should be an easy decision not to pursue a permanent move for the AC Milan loanee.

Rodrigo Ribeiro

SC: It is virtually impossible to pass judgement on the young Portuguese – he has barely played! He was seen as a bright talent for the future when he came, though, so if the club do make his move permanent they must have spotted something in him.

Loic Mbe Soh

MH: Wow, you really do forget who’s still at Forest. No contract. I can’t see him being anywhere near the dressing room, never mind starting XI. A Championship club would be lucky to have him, though, I’m sure.

SC: Yeah, letting him go is sensible. It is a shame it didn’t work out for him, though. You have to have something about you to have been at PSG. He just never really got the opportunity to prove himself for Forest.

Scott McKenna

MH: I like McKenna and will always be grateful for his efforts for getting into the Premier League. But when I talk about getting a smaller squad to keep a good dressing room atmosphere, I think it would be a good time to let him go. Thanks though, McKenna.

SC: It always feels a bit sad when one of the promotion-winning side leaves, and particularly when it is someone as likeable as McKenna. He has been a terrific servant and has his place in the history books assured.

Harry Arter

SC: Is a debate really necessary?! When he signed, I thought he would be a really good addition. Shows what I know!

MH: Wow, I think the fans deserve his wages given how long he’s been at the football club. Time to go Harry, thanks for the memories. What memories?