Nottingham Forest Transfer Window 2025: Urgency, Uncertainty, and the Pursuit of Jacob Ramsey
With just under four weeks remaining until the new Premier League season kicks off, the pressure is ramping up for Nottingham Forest to make serious moves in the transfer market. The summer so far has been largely frustrating for supporters, with key players departing, few reinforcements arriving, and the looming threat of further sales. While some clubs have already done the bulk of their business, Forest appear to be caught in a transitional period—one that could define their immediate and long-term future in the top flight.
This is not just another transfer window for Forest. It’s a pivotal moment. The club needs to act decisively if it wants to avoid another season spent looking nervously over its shoulder.
A Summer of Departures – The Squad is Thinner and Weaker
Unlike some Premier League clubs who have enjoyed relatively quiet windows, Nottingham Forest’s summer has already been filled with player exits. And most worryingly, these aren’t just fringe players—they’re individuals who played meaningful roles last season or were considered key parts of the club’s future project.
Anthony Elanga – Sold to Newcastle United
Elanga’s move to Newcastle came as a shock to many. While the Swedish international wasn’t always a guaranteed starter, his pace and threat on the counter-attack were crucial to Forest’s attacking strategy, especially against stronger opponents. His ability to stretch the pitch and provide width gave Forest a valuable outlet. His sale not only weakens the first team, but strengthens a direct rival.
Danilo – A Core Midfield Piece Lost
One of the more underappreciated midfielders in the squad, Danilo was instrumental during key periods of last season. Young, composed, and technically strong, his departure strips Forest of control in the middle of the park—a quality they already lacked in some matches last year. Without a proper replacement, Forest risk being overrun in midfield once again.
Ramon Sosa & Andrew Omobamidele – Depth and Future Potential
While not guaranteed starters, both players were part of Forest’s longer-term plans. Omobamidele offered solid backup in central defense, while Sosa, though raw, showed flashes of attacking promise. Selling both suggests Forest are trimming the squad, but without adequate replacements, this could come back to haunt them.
The Morgan Gibbs-White Situation – A Club-Changing Sale?
Arguably the biggest storyline this summer is the future of Morgan Gibbs-White. The playmaker was Forest’s heartbeat last season. Whether linking midfield to attack, creating chances, or scoring crucial goals, he was the focal point of their offensive output.
Tottenham Interest Heating Up
Reports linking him to Tottenham Hotspur have intensified, and with Spurs actively looking for attacking midfield reinforcements, Forest may be forced into a decision. Gibbs-White could command a fee north of £60 million, but the bigger question is whether the club can afford to lose him—both from a footballing and symbolic standpoint.
Selling him would provide funds, yes, but it would also signal a backward step for a club hoping to build upward. Forest must weigh the financial boost against the risk of losing their most influential player, particularly when replacements aren’t yet lined up.
The Jacob Ramsey Chase – A Glimmer of Ambition
In the midst of the doom and gloom, Forest have been strongly linked with a move for Jacob Ramsey, the highly rated 23-year-old midfielder from Aston Villa. According to journalist Sebastien Vidal, Forest are at the front of the race and are pushing hard to get the deal done.
Who is Jacob Ramsey?
Ramsey is a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder with an eye for goal, excellent ball-carrying ability, and Premier League experience. He emerged as a breakout star during Steven Gerrard’s tenure at Villa, with the former Liverpool legend calling him “outstanding” and even tipping him for England honors.
However, under Unai Emery, his role has diminished. With Villa qualifying for Europe and strengthening their midfield, Ramsey has slipped down the pecking order. That makes him a prime candidate for a move—particularly since selling him would be counted as pure profit under PSR rules due to his academy status.
How Ramsey Would Fit at Forest
Ramsey brings qualities that Forest desperately need:
Creativity and drive from midfield: He offers progressive runs and goal contributions.
Premier League experience: Unlike some previous signings, Ramsey wouldn’t need time to adapt.
Tactical flexibility: He can operate as an advanced 8, a 10, or even in a wide midfield role in a 4-2-3-1.
If Gibbs-White stays, Ramsey could form a dynamic duo in midfield. If Gibbs-White leaves, Ramsey becomes essential to maintaining creativity in the squad.
The Price Tag Debate – £40m or £50m?
Initial reports suggested a £40 million valuation, but newer claims indicate Villa might ask for £50 million. Forest are unlikely to pay that without negotiation. They may look to include structured payments, add-ons, or even a player in exchange. Still, the deal would likely break Forest’s transfer record, underlining how highly Ramsey is rated by the club.
Transfer Strategy – What Else Must Be Done?
While Ramsey would be a statement signing, he can’t be the only major addition. Forest have several other glaring needs, and time is quickly running out to address them.
- Winger / Forward Depth
Elanga’s departure leaves Forest short on wide players. There is interest in Dan Ndoye, a high-energy wide forward who impressed with Switzerland at the Euros. Ndoye isn’t a like-for-like Elanga replacement, but his work rate and ability to play on either flank could make him a valuable addition.
Still, Forest will likely need at least two new wide options, especially with Hudson-Odoi’s inconsistency and the uncertainty over other attacking players.
- Central Midfield
Even if Ramsey joins, Danilo’s departure creates a hole. Forest need a deeper midfielder who can dictate tempo, break up play, and recycle possession. A more defensive-minded midfielder is essential to protect the back four.
- Center-Back
The loss of Omobamidele and persistent injury concerns mean Forest must bring in a reliable, physically dominant center-back. Someone with Premier League or top-level experience is preferred, especially given the physical demands of Nuno Espírito Santo’s tactical system.
- Full-Back Depth
With injuries and inconsistent form affecting both flanks last season, Forest could benefit from reinforcing at least one full-back position—likely left-back—depending on the health and form of players like Nuno Tavares and Harry Toffolo.
Time is Running Out – What Must Happen Next?
With only a few weeks left in the window, Forest’s recruitment team must accelerate:
Complete the Ramsey deal quickly to stabilize the midfield and show ambition.
Secure a winger (like Ndoye) and another wide option to replace Elanga and Sosa.
Add a center-back and possibly a full-back to reinforce the defensive structure.
Resolve the Gibbs-White situation—if he’s staying, build around him. If not, reinvest the fee smartly and urgently.
Failure to act decisively will leave the squad underprepared and vulnerable. Forest can’t afford a slow start again, especially with a tougher schedule likely and more intense competition in the league.
Final Thoughts – A Defining Transfer Window
Nottingham Forest are entering a defining phase. This transfer window isn’t just about plugging holes — it’s about setting a direction. Is the club serious about progressing toward mid-table stability and European aspirations, or are they going to repeat the cycle of survival struggle?
The Jacob Ramsey pursuit is encouraging. It shows ambition and intent. But it must be the start of a broader strategy, not an isolated move. Forest must act like a club with a plan—one that understands the stakes and is prepared to move fast, smart, and decisively.
Otherwise, the promising moments of recent seasons risk becoming forgotten chapters in another fight against relegation.