The Search for the “New Wood”: Inside Sean Dyche’s High-Stakes Striker Hunt at Nottingham Forest
NOTTINGHAM — In the tactical laboratory of the City Ground, Sean Dyche is facing his greatest challenge since taking the helm of Nottingham Forest. The January 2026 transfer window, usually a period of cautious adjustments, has transformed into a frantic search for a specific biological archetype: a powerhouse “number nine” who can replicate the physical dominance of the currently sidelined Chris Wood.
The news that Forest’s top January target is a “Wood clone” is not merely a preference—it is a survival necessity. With the New Zealand international undergoing significant knee surgery and the club’s attacking depth depleted, the Garibaldi are on the hunt for a veteran presence who can lead the line in a way that only a Sean Dyche target man can.
The Chris Wood Void: Why a “Clone” is Necessary
To understand Forest’s transfer strategy, one must understand the tactical “gravity” Chris Wood provided. Before his injury, Wood was enjoying a career renaissance, acting as the structural pillar of Forest’s attack. His ability to win 60% of his aerial duels and hold off two defenders at once allowed creative sparks like Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga to thrive in the space he created.
With Wood out, Forest’s system has stuttered. While summer signing Igor Jesus possesses immense technical quality and pace, he lacks the “battering ram” profile required to pin back Premier League center-halves. Consequently, the search has moved away from “potential” and toward “proven physical power.”
The Primary Objective: Mehdi Taremi and the Olympiacos Connection
The name at the top of Dyche’s list is Mehdi Taremi. The 33-year-old Iranian international is currently the focal point of Olympiacos, and the logic behind this move is as much about logistics as it is about footballing fit.
The “Marinakis Factor”
Both Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos are under the ownership of Evangelos Marinakis. In the complex world of modern FFP (Financial Fair Play) and PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules), internal group transfers can often be structured more favorably. Reports suggest that Taremi could be moved to the City Ground on a low-fee permanent deal or a structured loan that suits both clubs’ balance sheets.
The Playing Style
Taremi is statistically the closest match to Chris Wood currently available on the market. In the Greek top flight this season, he has recorded:
- 16 goal contributions (Goals + Assists).
- Top-tier hold-up play metrics, ranking in the 90th percentile for successful flick-ons.
- Veteran leadership, a trait Dyche values immensely during the high-pressure second half of the season.
The “Wood-Like” Shortlist: Four Giants Under Consideration
While Taremi is the frontrunner, the Forest recruitment team has identified a “shortlist of giants”—players who meet the height and strength requirements of the Dyche system.
1. Jørgen Strand Larsen (Wolves)
The Norwegian international is perhaps the most talented of the targets, but also the most expensive. Standing 6’4″, he has proven he can handle the physical rigors of the Premier League. However, Wolves’ valuation of over £40 million remains a significant hurdle for Forest.
2. Youssef En-Nesyri (Fenerbahçe)
Known for having one of the highest vertical leaps in world football, the Moroccan striker is a “set-piece king.” Dyche’s tactical reliance on corners and wide free-kicks makes En-Nesyri an mouth-watering prospect. The challenge lies in Fenerbahçe’s reluctance to sell mid-season while they chase a domestic title.
3. Artem Dovbyk (AS Roma)
A powerhouse left-footer who took La Liga by storm before moving to Italy, Dovbyk is the “dream” signing. He excels at shielding the ball and bringing teammates into play. However, a minor injury concern has cooled Forest’s interest in a permanent deal, though a loan-to-buy remains a talking point.
4. Lorenzo Lucca (Napoli/Atalanta)
At 6’7″, Lucca is a literal mountain of a man. Currently on loan at Atalanta from Napoli, he represents the “ultimate” target man. While still raw in his development, his sheer scale would make him a nightmare for any Premier League defense.
The “Dyche-ification” of the Transfer Window
This transfer window represents a shift in the Forest philosophy. In previous years, the club was criticized for a “scattergun” approach, signing dozens of players with varying profiles. Under the influence of Sean Dyche and the new sporting director, the focus has narrowed significantly.
The mandate is clear: Find a player who allows the system to remain unchanged. Forest’s recent decision to let Arnaud Kalimuendo join Eintracht Frankfurt on loan was a calculated risk. It cleared the wage bill and squad space for a “heavyweight” striker. Dyche is reportedly uninterested in “false nines” or “mobile wing-strikers.” He wants a player who can stand in the center circle, win a header from a long goal kick, and allow the team to move 40 yards up the pitch in one phase of play.
The Stakes: A Multi-Front Battle
Why is this signing so critical? Nottingham Forest is not just fighting for Premier League survival; they are competing in the Europa League knockout stages. The added fixture density means that relying solely on Igor Jesus is an impossible task.
If Forest fails to secure a “Wood-like” replacement by the January 31st deadline, they risk a collapse in form similar to the one experienced during the 2024 injury crisis. The board knows this, and the link to Taremi suggests they are looking for a “plug-and-play” solution that can start as early as the first week of February.
Conclusion: The Strategic Gamble
Nottingham Forest’s search for a Chris Wood clone is a fascinating case study in tactical recruitment. In an era where many clubs are moving toward smaller, faster, more technical forwards, Sean Dyche is doubling down on the “Target Man” philosophy.
Whether it is Mehdi Taremi arriving from Greece or a late-window swoop for a Premier League giant like Strand Larsen, the objective remains the same: Restore the physical focal point of the team and ensure that the “Dyche Ball” machine continues to roll.
One thing is certain: The City Ground is about to welcome a new giant.