Nottingham Forest are enjoying a dream season under Nuno Espírito Santo, and remarkably find themselves sitting in third place in the Premier League heading into the final stretch of the 2024/25 campaign. Since their confident 2-0 victory over Everton back in December, the Reds have maintained their grip on a Champions League place, and with the reverse fixture against the Toffees coming up this weekend at the City Ground, there’s growing belief that Forest can hold their nerve and secure a top-four finish.

It’s been a stunning turnaround from where the club stood just 12 months ago. The transformation since Nuno’s appointment has been nothing short of extraordinary. He’s instilled tactical discipline, resilience, and belief in a squad that has matured significantly. With European football now firmly in sight, plans are already being laid for what promises to be a very busy summer transfer window.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis is reportedly eager to back Nuno in the market, particularly in the attacking department. Forest were already pushing hard to bring in a marquee striker in January, but while that didn’t materialize, it’s clear that ambition remains sky high behind the scenes. And now, it looks like the club could be setting their sights on a blockbuster return for a former Premier League winger who’s found his stride abroad.

According to a report from Give Me Sport, Nottingham Forest are lining up a fresh move to sign Ademola Lookman from Atalanta this summer. The Nigerian international, who previously played in the Premier League for Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City, has reinvented himself in Serie A, becoming a key figure for Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta side. However, tensions between Lookman and Gasperini reportedly flared earlier in the season, with the winger involved in a public dispute with his manager—raising questions about his long-term future in Bergamo.

Despite the drama, Lookman has enjoyed an outstanding season. His performances last year earned him a nomination for the Ballon d’Or, and his incredible hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen catapulted him to continental stardom. That match alone showcased his growth, maturity, and lethal ability in the final third—qualities Forest are desperate to add to their squad.

Lookman has matured significantly since his previous Premier League spell, where he was seen as a raw but inconsistent talent. In Italy, he’s become more decisive, tactically disciplined, and far more efficient in front of goal. He now combines his natural flair with a high work rate and an improved end product—traits that would make him a perfect fit for Nuno’s high-intensity style.

Forest will reportedly need to qualify for the Champions League to have a realistic shot at signing Lookman, and the transfer fee is expected to be in the region of £43 million. That’s a significant figure, but one that Marinakis may be willing to pay to continue the club’s upward trajectory. With the financial boost and prestige of European football, Forest will be in a much stronger position to negotiate with players of Lookman’s calibre.

Moreover, Lookman’s familiarity with some of Forest’s current players could help smooth the transition. He shares international experience with Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi, both of whom are respected figures in the dressing room. That familiarity, combined with a potential return to English football in a much more stable and ambitious project, could make Nottingham an attractive destination for Lookman.

This kind of signing would not only elevate the squad’s attacking options but also send a message across the Premier League: Nottingham Forest mean business. Lookman is the kind of dynamic, match-winning forward who could thrive under the lights on Champions League nights and deliver the cutting edge needed to compete on multiple fronts.

For the Forest faithful, the idea of hosting Europe’s elite at the City Ground is already the stuff of dreams. Add a star like Lookman to the mix, and the excitement would reach fever pitch. Now it’s just about maintaining momentum, finishing the job in the league, and proving to top players that Nottingham Forest is where the future lies.

Would you like a breakdown of Lookman’s goal contributions this season or a look at how he’d fit tactically into Nuno’s current setup?