Why Nottingham Forest Must Walk Away from Dusan Vlahovic — and Make Yoane Wissa the Priority
As Nottingham Forest gear up for another Premier League campaign under the guidance of Nuno Espírito Santo, the club’s transfer strategy — particularly in the forward department — is coming under increased scrutiny. With Brazilian striker Igor Jesus set to join the club imminently, Forest have addressed part of their need up top. However, given the club’s ambitions to move away from relegation battles and establish themselves as a consistent top-half side, it’s no surprise they’re exploring additional options to bolster their attacking firepower.
Among the names linked, few have stirred as much attention as Dusan Vlahovic, the highly-rated Serbian international currently with Juventus. On paper, the idea of Forest competing for a player of his profile might seem like a power move — a sign of serious intent. But in reality, it could be a misguided and ultimately fruitless pursuit. When compared to more practical, committed, and Premier League-proven alternatives like Yoane Wissa of Brentford, the picture becomes clear: Forest would be far better served walking away from the Vlahovic saga entirely.
The Vlahovic Dilemma: Talent Without Commitment
Let’s start with the facts: Dusan Vlahovic is a talented striker. His rise from Partizan to Fiorentina and then Juventus was swift and impressive, marked by raw strength, elite finishing, and glimpses of top-tier potential. In Serie A, he has consistently hit double-digit goal tallies and has Champions League experience to his name.
So why is he being offered around Europe?
Juventus have been open to selling Vlahovic for multiple windows, suggesting that despite his potential, he hasn’t quite hit the heights the club expected — or perhaps he simply doesn’t fit the tactical mold. Now, with reports indicating Forest are “leading the race” for his signature, the player’s response is telling. According to TEAMtalk, Vlahovic is holding out for interest from one of the Premier League’s so-called “Big Six” — namely Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, or Tottenham Hotspur — before committing to any move.
This hesitation should ring alarm bells in the Forest boardroom.
- A Player Who Sees the Club as a Stepping Stone, Not a Destination
Forest are at a delicate point in their evolution. Having survived the drop in back-to-back seasons since returning to the Premier League, there is now a hunger — from owner Evangelos Marinakis to manager Nuno Espírito Santo and the fans — to push further. That push demands players who believe in the project and are committed to it, not those using it as a temporary holding pattern.
Vlahovic’s clear preference for a “bigger” club suggests that even if he were to join, it would not be out of loyalty, interest, or excitement about the City Ground project. And when a player’s heart isn’t in it, his performances often suffer. Forest cannot afford a big-name passenger with divided loyalties.
- Delaying the Transfer Strategy for a Player Who Might Never Sign
The Premier League season may seem far off, but for a manager like Nuno — who relies on tactical discipline, organization, and structure — pre-season is vital. Integrating new players into the system, especially attacking ones, takes time. Every week Forest wait for Vlahovic to decide his future is a week lost in building chemistry, planning systems, and ensuring squad depth.
Meanwhile, other targets could slip through their fingers. In a market as competitive as the Premier League, hesitation can be deadly. Forest cannot afford to be passive bystanders waiting on a reluctant star.
- High Financial Cost, Questionable Tactical Fit
Let’s also address the numbers. Any move for Vlahovic would require a significant transfer fee, likely upwards of £50 million, alongside a very high wage package. That’s a hefty investment for a player who, despite his talent, has not shown an upward trajectory over the last 12 months. Juventus’s eagerness to sell suggests they believe they’ve seen the best of him — or that he’s simply not compatible with elite-level pressing systems.
In Nuno Espírito Santo’s system, strikers are asked to work hard off the ball, hold up play, and be involved in transitions — not just score goals. Vlahovic, while capable of finishing chances, is not known for pressing intensity or link-up play, which are essential components in Forest’s tactical approach. His inclusion might even require a significant shift in how the team plays, which is risky and potentially disruptive.
Yoane Wissa: A Premier League-Ready, Multi-Faceted Solution
While Vlahovic flirts with the idea of Forest, there’s a much more logical, committed, and effective option available — Yoane Wissa. The Brentford forward might not carry the international cachet of the Juventus man, but in terms of what he brings to a Premier League side like Forest, he ticks all the boxes.
- Premier League Experience and Reliability
Wissa knows the Premier League. He’s not a prospect; he’s a proven commodity. With Brentford, he has regularly contributed in a side that punches above its weight. Last season, he outscored Vlahovic in fewer appearances, which speaks volumes about his sharpness, efficiency, and ability to take chances.
Unlike Vlahovic, who would need time to adapt to the physicality and pace of English football, Wissa can hit the ground running. That kind of immediate impact is invaluable for a club like Forest, where every point matters.
- Versatility, Work Rate, and Tactical Intelligence
One of the most attractive features of Wissa’s game is his versatility. He can play as a central striker, as a wide forward, or in a second-striker role — all positions Nuno uses depending on the match situation. He’s a player who adapts to the system rather than requiring the system to adapt to him.
Statistically, Wissa excels in key areas:
More goals per minute than Vlahovic in 2023–24.
Higher number of chances created per game.
More successful duels, showing strength and tenacity.
Lower turnover rate, indicating better ball security in attacking zones.
He also presses well, tracks back, and commits to the defensive structure. All of this makes him ideal for a high-energy, disciplined Forest team.
- Mentality and Commitment
Unlike Vlahovic, Wissa has shown no hesitation or disdain for clubs that aren’t considered global giants. He thrives in environments where he’s valued, and where teamwork is prioritized over individualism. That mindset is exactly what Forest needs right now.
He would arrive with hunger, a point to prove, and an understanding of the kind of effort required to succeed in the Premier League. Those qualities can’t be measured in a stat sheet but are often the difference between success and failure.
Looking at the Bigger Picture: Forest’s Identity and Future
There’s something symbolic about this decision for Nottingham Forest. It reflects a broader question: What kind of club does Forest want to be?
Are they chasing headlines, or are they building something sustainable and strategic?
Signing Vlahovic might generate attention and make waves in the short term, but it doesn’t align with the club’s identity — a hard-working, ambitious team with a growing core of Premier League-level talent. In contrast, targeting someone like Wissa signals intelligence, clarity, and an understanding of what success in the Premier League actually requires.
Final Verdict: Forest Must Be Bold — and Smart
Forest fans are right to want ambition from the club. They deserve to see the team move forward, signing exciting players and climbing the table. But ambition doesn’t mean chasing the biggest name on the market; it means making the smartest decision for the long term.
Dusan Vlahovic may be a marquee name, but his attitude and tactical limitations are not what Forest need.
Yoane Wissa, on the other hand, is ready, willing, and capable of making a real impact. He offers more in terms of flexibility, Premier League-proven performance, and commitment. If Forest are serious about progressing, this is the kind of player they should prioritize.
The message to Marinakis and the Forest board should be simple:
Don’t wait for someone who doesn’t want to be here. Sign someone who does — and who fits the vision.