🔴 Nottingham Forest: A Pivotal Transfer Window Amid European Ambition
Nottingham Forest’s return to European football for the first time in over two decades should be a moment of celebration and optimism. Under Nuno Espírito Santo, the club achieved a remarkable UEFA Conference League qualification, showing tactical growth, mental resilience, and a squad finally gelling after seasons of heavy turnover. But with that success comes responsibility — and a heavy burden.
To compete across four competitions — Premier League, Conference League, FA Cup, and EFL Cup — Forest need depth, quality, and balance. As things stand, the squad is worryingly short in key areas, particularly in wide attacking roles. The likely departures of Anthony Elanga and Ramon Sosa, two key offensive assets, come at the worst possible time. And while the club has started to make moves with the arrival of Igor Jesus, there is growing urgency to strengthen before the season kicks off.
🚨 Departures Threaten to Undermine Momentum
✈️ Anthony Elanga → Newcastle United
Elanga’s imminent transfer to Newcastle is a huge loss. The 22-year-old Swedish international was one of Forest’s standout performers last season, offering a constant outlet on the break with his raw pace, vertical runs, and explosive transitions. He stretched defenses, tracked back diligently, and contributed directly to goals at crucial moments.
More than just a winger, Elanga embodied Nuno’s counter-attacking approach. He was the ideal fit for a side that sat deep and looked to break with speed. Replacing him is not a matter of like-for-like talent — it’s about rebuilding a key component of the team’s tactical identity.
Forest are reportedly set to bank a substantial fee from Elanga’s sale, but unless that money is wisely reinvested, the squad risks losing one of its few X-factors.
✈️ Ramon Sosa → Departure Confirmed
Sosa’s exit has garnered less attention, but it leaves another gaping hole in Forest’s depth chart. The Paraguayan winger brought flair, unpredictability, and a left-sided presence that allowed the team to stretch the pitch. His ability to beat players 1v1 and drift inside made him a useful tool off the bench or in rotations.
With both Sosa and Elanga gone, Forest have lost both starting-calibre wide men. That’s not just a tactical problem — it’s a structural one. Few Premier League clubs would voluntarily begin a season without natural wingers, especially with midweek European fixtures looming.
✅ Igor Jesus: Promising, But Still Unproven
Forest’s first summer signing, Igor Jesus from Botafogo, is a smart long-term investment. The 23-year-old Brazilian forward is versatile, technically sound, and fits the modern mold of a mobile striker who can also play wide. He impressed in the Brasileirão with his physicality and link-up play, and he’s already been compared to players like Roberto Firmino for his ability to drop into midfield and create space for runners.
However, Jesus is not a direct replacement for Elanga or Sosa. He may play off the left, or as a false nine, but he doesn’t have the same pace or verticality. He’ll need time to adapt to Premier League tempo, and his signing alone does not address the glaring need for Premier League-proven wide players.
🧨 Jack Grealish: A Transfer That Could Redefine Forest’s Identity
The news that Nottingham Forest have entered the race to sign Jack Grealish from Manchester City has stunned many — but it shouldn’t. Grealish’s situation at the Etihad is clear: he’s fallen down the pecking order amid injury concerns and Guardiola’s tactical reshuffles. City are reshaping their squad, and Grealish — a £100m signing in 2021 — is now a candidate for a high-profile exit.
Forest’s interest signals intent. It shows that the club wants to compete not just to survive, but to grow. Still, the move is fraught with complexity.
💷 Financial Roadblocks
Grealish is on a reported £300,000-a-week salary — far beyond Forest’s top earners. Any permanent move is virtually impossible unless he takes a massive pay cut or City agree to a significant wage subsidy.
A loan deal is the only realistic option. It would likely involve:
Manchester City subsidizing up to 60–70% of his wages
An optional or conditional buy clause
A shorter-term “prove-it” loan until January or the end of the season
Forest would need to convince City that Grealish will play consistently, regain form, and avoid injury — something he hasn’t done in over 12 months.
⚽ Tactical Fit and Positional Profile
Grealish is a unique player. He’s not a traditional winger — he prefers to drift inside, slow the game down, and create pockets of space. At Aston Villa, he was the fulcrum of the attack, drawing fouls and controlling tempo. At City, he became more of a system player — often shackled by Guardiola’s rigid positional play.
For Forest, he would need to be given creative freedom — likely in a left-sided role with license to roam, or as a No. 10 behind the striker. He would not offer the raw speed of Elanga or Sosa but would provide ball control, vision, and composure.
In games where Forest dominate possession — especially in Europe — Grealish could become a difference-maker. His ability to unlock deep blocks would be invaluable.
🧠 What the Experts Say
Rio Ferdinand (after 2023 Champions League): “He’s unplayable when he’s confident. He can draw two or three players and still come out with the ball.”
Pep Guardiola (after a 3-0 win over Forest in 2024): “Jack is quality. When he finds rhythm, he’s one of the best at controlling tempo.”
Despite criticism, Grealish remains a player with a Champions League-winning pedigree, and he’s only 29. In the right environment, he could rediscover the form that made him one of England’s brightest talents.
⚔️ Competition for Grealish
Forest are not alone in pursuing Grealish. Other suitors include:
Tottenham: Have European football and a need for depth
Everton: Could offer guaranteed starts, but lack continental competition
Newcastle: May prefer younger options like Elanga
Saudi Pro League clubs: Can afford him, but Grealish reportedly prefers to stay in Europe
Forest’s main advantages:
Guaranteed European fixtures
A clear path to regular playing time
A manager in Nuno who allows creative players freedom
📈 Strategic Priorities Moving Forward
Even if Grealish signs, Forest still have significant work to do. Their recruitment must be cohesive, balanced, and fast. Below is a priority roadmap:
🧩 1. Sign Two Wingers
Profile 1: A pacey, vertical winger to replace Elanga (think Adama Traoré type)
Profile 2: A technically gifted wide playmaker, capable of unlocking defenses
Suggested Targets:
Jota (Al-Ittihad) – Looking to return to Europe
Jesper Lindstrøm (Napoli) – Can play wide or centrally, high work rate
Kamaldeen Sulemana (Southampton) – Direct, unpredictable, and affordable
Manor Solomon (Tottenham) – Could be available on loan
🧩 2. Strengthen Midfield Depth
With European fixtures, Forest need a ball-winner and a deep-lying playmaker to rotate with Danilo and Sangaré.
Targets:
Kalvin Phillips (loan possible from Man City)
Josh Brownhill (relegated with Burnley, Premier League experience)
Ardon Jashari (Swiss international, dynamic and affordable)
🧩 3. Creative No. 10 / Hybrid Forward
If Grealish doesn’t come, Forest must find a creator who can drift between lines.
Targets:
Fabio Carvalho (Liverpool) – Could be available for loan
Isco (Real Betis) – Rejuvenated in La Liga, contract expiring
Emiliano Buendía (Aston Villa) – Injury-prone but high upside
🧩 4. Defensive Cover
With injuries likely over a long season, a defender who can cover both full-back and center-back roles is vital.
Targets:
Max Aarons (Bournemouth) – Right-back with attacking potential
Mohamed Salisu (Monaco) – Left-footed CB, strong in duels
Joe Worrall – Could be brought back into fold for depth
📊 Conclusion: Forest at the Crossroads
This transfer window is not just about plugging holes — it’s about shaping the future of Nottingham Forest. The club is entering a new chapter, one with European football and heightened expectations. That means:
Recruiting with intention
Moving swiftly and smartly
Balancing ambition with financial sustainability
The Jack Grealish move, while unlikely, symbolizes a shift in