Nottingham Forest ‘make decision’ over summer transfer strategy

Nottingham Forest are reportedly looking to strengthen in four areas of the pitch during the summer transfer window.

The East Midlands outfit have just narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League, their task not helped by a points deduction for breaching the division’s Profit and Sustainability regulations.

Nevertheless, securing a third successive campaign in the top flight has brought some breathing space for club officials, who would have had to consider numerous sales had they been relegated to the Championship.

Although Forest may still have to cash in on one of their star men, they have freed up some space on their wage bill by releasing 18 players.

With six of those players having been first-teamers and another five being loanees who are returning to their parent clubs, Forest now have some breathing space to target their own reinforcements.

Forest identify preference for new signings

As well as deciding on four specific positions, Forest’s hierarchy are also said to have identified a method of acquiring talent that they hope will benefit them in the long term.

According to Football Insider, Forest intend to make at least four additions that are aged 25 or under as they look to reduce the average age of their squad.

That target will already be achieved given that many of the players who have been released are 34 years of age or older, and a balance will have to be found in terms of experience.

Only Matz Sels, Willy Boly and Chris Wood are 32 or older, yet it appears that younger established players are the priority for Forest over the coming months.

What positions are being targeted?

Forest are allegedly eager to bring in a new goalkeeper, right-back, creative midfielder and central forward before the start of 2024-25.

Corinthians goalkeeper Carlos Miguel is seemingly the preferred option between the sticks, but there may need to be an exit in terms of right-back with Neco Williams, Gonzalo Montiel and Ola Aina already options in that position.

Morgan Gibbs-White is the undisputed first-choice creative midfielder, yet a big-money sale would free up Forest to find a suitable replacement.

While Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi are the two established strikers at Forest, it appears that Nuno and the club’s owners would preferred another alternative.