🔴 Nottingham Forest’s Summer Overhaul: Why Outgoings Matter as Much as Signings
As the 2025 summer transfer window heats up, Nottingham Forest find themselves at a critical crossroads. Following a season of flashes of promise punctuated by inconsistency, manager Nuno Espírito Santo and the club’s hierarchy know that the next few months will determine whether Forest take a step forward — or slip back into the mire of a relegation battle.
To move forward, however, some backward steps are required — not in terms of ambition, but in terms of streamlining and restructuring a bloated and uneven squad. Several players are now tipped to leave the club, and while much of the fanbase is understandably excited about new signings, the departures may be even more significant in shaping the team’s future.
⚠️ Forest’s Balancing Act: Quality In, Quantity Out
Forest’s current squad remains filled with inconsistencies — players signed under different managers for different tactical systems, young talents still developing, and experienced professionals whose best days may be behind them. The club must reduce the squad’s size and wage bill while also refreshing key areas with quality and dynamism.
The first step in this process appears to be moving on several fringe or rotational players. Three names in particular have emerged as central figures in the club’s summer strategy: Anthony Elanga, Ramon Sosa, and Jota Silva.
Let’s take a deeper look at each case and how they impact Forest’s overall tactical and strategic outlook.
🔁 Anthony Elanga – Forest’s Crown Jewel or Sacrificial Asset?
➤ Situation:
Anthony Elanga has been one of Forest’s standout players over the past season. The Swedish international offered blistering pace, direct running, and a consistent goal threat from wide areas. At just 23 years old, his best years are ahead of him, and naturally, his performances have drawn attention — notably from Newcastle United.
➤ Forest’s Position:
The club has responded to Newcastle’s interest by placing a firm £60 million price tag on Elanga. That valuation might seem high to some, but it reflects several key factors:
His age and resale potential.
His growing role as a key attacking figure.
His Premier League experience and homegrown status.
Forest don’t want to sell — and they likely won’t — unless a truly massive offer arrives. Nuno sees Elanga as a player to build around, not cash in on. However, if Newcastle or another top-six club were to meet the price, Forest would be forced into a significant rebuild of their attacking line.
➤ Tactical Impact:
Elanga is irreplaceable in terms of raw speed and transition play. Losing him would require not just one signing but a major tactical rethink. This makes it even more crucial that Forest retain him unless the money truly transforms the squad.
🇵🇾 Ramon Sosa – The South American Project That Didn’t Click
➤ Situation:
Signed with potential in mind, Ramon Sosa was supposed to bring flair and direct dribbling from wide areas. Instead, his stint at Forest has been underwhelming. Despite a few decent showings, Sosa never earned a consistent role under Nuno and has now attracted interest from Palmeiras in Brazil.
➤ Forest’s Position:
There is little resistance to Sosa leaving, and it appears the club is ready to cut its losses. While the move might not bring in a massive fee, freeing up the roster spot and his wages is just as valuable.
➤ Tactical Impact:
Sosa’s exit may not impact the first team immediately, but it reduces Forest’s already thin depth on the flanks. Combined with Jota Silva’s potential departure, it leaves the club with an urgent need to reinforce wide areas.
🇵🇹 Jota Silva – The Versatile Enigma on the Way Out?
➤ Situation:
Jota Silva arrived at Forest with promise and pedigree. A versatile forward capable of playing out wide or as a secondary striker, Silva showed flashes of ability but never locked down a starting spot. His performances off the bench were occasionally impactful but lacked consistency.
Now, Besiktas have reportedly submitted an offer for Silva on a loan-to-buy basis, and Forest are seriously considering it.
➤ Forest’s Position:
The club appears open to a deal, especially if it includes a purchase obligation. Silva’s desire for regular football — which he may not get under Nuno — could push the deal over the line. Though not considered a “failure,” Silva is likely seen as non-essential moving forward.
➤ Tactical Impact:
Silva’s departure would be more impactful than it appears. He was one of the few players capable of providing energy and directness off the bench. His absence weakens squad depth, especially if Elanga or Hudson-Odoi suffers an injury.
Forest would need to find a replacement with similar versatility and a stronger end product.
❗ The Winger Crisis: A Real Concern
Let’s do the math:
If Sosa leaves, Forest lose a depth winger.
If Silva goes, they lose a rotation player who could cover multiple roles.
If Elanga were sold, they’d lose their most consistent wide threat.
Even if Elanga stays, Forest will be left with just two natural wide attackers: Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi. That is nowhere near enough to compete in the Premier League, especially considering both players’ injury histories.
The wing positions, which are critical in Nuno’s transition-based 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 systems, require pace, discipline, and end product — and Forest are now facing a full rebuild in that area.
🔎 Recruitment Plan: What Forest Must Do Next
Forest must move quickly, smartly, and decisively. Losing players is fine — expected, even — but only if the replacements raise the ceiling of the squad.
Here’s what Forest need to prioritize:
🔄 1. At Least Two New Wingers
One starting-caliber wide forward who can push or even surpass Hudson-Odoi.
One versatile attacker who can play across the front three and offer quality from the bench.
💡 2. Premier League Experience or Elite Youth
Forest can’t afford to gamble on completely raw talent unless it’s paired with proven experience.
Players with Premier League or top-five league minutes are ideal.
🌍 3. Smart Scouting from Smaller European Leagues
Forest have previously recruited well from Portugal, France, and Belgium. They may look again at those markets, especially for players with high upside but manageable price tags.
🧠 Potential Targets: Realistic & Aspirational
Here are a few potential targets Forest could explore to fill the wing void:
Player Club Profile Estimated Cost
Jesper Karlsson Bologna Two-footed, technical winger £12–15M
Wilfried Gnonto Leeds United Premier League-ready, young £15–20M
Johan Bakayoko PSV High ceiling, quick and tricky £25–30M
Yankuba Minteh Newcastle (loaned to Feyenoord) Explosive pace, needs minutes Loan
Manor Solomon Tottenham Needs a fresh start, still quality £10M
Alex Scott Bournemouth Can play wide or centrally £20M+
Mohamed Daramy Reims Dynamic, direct, strong on the break £12M
🧭 Conclusion: A Defining Window
This summer could shape Nottingham Forest’s trajectory for the next several seasons. The club is approaching a point where ambition must meet discipline — they can’t keep accumulating players without trimming the fat, nor can they afford to fall short in key areas like the wings.
The exits of Sosa and Silva may not dominate headlines, but they are strategically significant. They open the door to smarter recruitment, more focused squad planning, and hopefully, a team that reflects Nuno’s tactical vision.
Now, the pressure is on the club to execute.