Nottingham Forest are currently at a critical juncture in their summer transfer window, facing a number of challenges as they attempt to balance their squad for the upcoming season. Despite their efforts to strengthen the team, things have progressed slowly, leaving key positions under-resourced as they gear up for what promises to be a demanding 2025/26 campaign. The situation is especially pressing in the wide-attacking areas, an area that could be pivotal in determining the team’s success both in the Premier League and in their upcoming participation in the UEFA Conference League.

The most recent setback for Forest came in the form of the departure of Anthony Elanga, who completed a move to Newcastle United. Elanga was one of the few players who was expected to provide much-needed width and pace to the Forest attack. His exit has left the club significantly weaker on the flanks, an area where they already struggled last season. The loss of a player like Elanga, who was beginning to find his feet at the club, has highlighted just how thin Forest’s options are in wide positions. With the departure of Ramon Sosa as well, the club’s attacking depth has been further depleted, leaving them in an increasingly precarious situation.

Currently, the only players left in the squad who can play out wide are Callum Hudson-Odoi and Jota Silva. Hudson-Odoi, a high-profile signing from Chelsea, still hasn’t fully settled into his role at Forest. While there’s undeniable talent in the English winger, he hasn’t yet been able to deliver consistently at the level required by a Premier League club, let alone one with European aspirations. On the other hand, Jota Silva, who arrived at Forest in a move worth nearly £6 million, has been one of the most underwhelming signings in recent history for the club. The 25-year-old Portuguese forward has found himself in and out of the team, with just five starts in the Premier League last season, which suggests that he has failed to impress manager Nuno Espírito Santo. Silva has been viewed as little more than a backup option throughout most of his tenure at the City Ground, and it’s clear that the club and coaching staff have not seen him as a long-term solution.

With the club’s options on the flanks so thin, it seems that Silva’s time at Forest could soon come to an end. Reports indicate that Sporting CP, one of the top clubs in Portugal, is interested in bringing Silva back to the Primeira Liga. Silva had previously played in Portugal before making the move to Forest, and a return to his home country may be appealing for the player. Forest, for their part, are reportedly willing to entertain offers for Silva this summer, with a price tag set at £6 million. This would represent a small profit on the £5.9 million they paid to sign him, but considering his lack of impact at the club, it’s unclear whether any suitors will be willing to meet that asking price. While £6 million might seem fair based on Silva’s potential, his performances for Forest have been far from convincing, and the club could find it difficult to recoup that amount, particularly given his limited contributions last season.

However, the timing of Silva’s potential departure is a key issue. As it stands, Forest cannot afford to lose another player without first bringing in new signings. If Silva were to leave without any new additions, the squad would be dangerously thin in wide areas, with only Hudson-Odoi as the sole remaining winger. This would place enormous pressure on the 23-year-old to carry the attacking responsibilities on his own, and with a busy schedule ahead, including both Premier League and UEFA Conference League fixtures, such a situation would be unsustainable. The club simply cannot afford to let the squad become any more depleted without adequate replacements in place.

For this reason, any potential move for Silva must be contingent on the arrival of new players. The priority for Forest must be to secure reinforcements in wide attacking positions before allowing any further departures. The upcoming season will present numerous challenges, especially with the added demands of the UEFA Conference League. Forest will need a deeper squad to cope with the rigors of both domestic and European football. The loss of Silva, while perhaps inevitable, cannot be allowed to leave the team short in an already understrength area.

The need for reinforcements is further amplified by the club’s aspirations for the upcoming campaign. Forest are looking to compete on multiple fronts, and as a club with European ambitions, they cannot afford to enter the season with such a thin squad. This summer window is vital for them to build a team capable of competing at a high level. If they fail to make the necessary signings, they could find themselves at a severe disadvantage, especially in a league as competitive as the Premier League.

Nottingham Forest’s recruitment strategy will be tested in the coming weeks. The club must move quickly to secure the right players, particularly in wide attacking positions. While there is still time in the transfer window, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. If Forest are serious about challenging for a top-half finish and making an impact in Europe, they will need to act swiftly and decisively in the market.

At the same time, the future of Silva remains uncertain, but it’s clear that his exit is likely. He has struggled to make an impact during his time at Forest, and his departure may be a step in the right direction for both the player and the club. However, it’s important that Forest don’t rush into selling him without first securing a suitable replacement. The club’s priorities must be clear: strengthening the squad first, before considering any sales.

As the transfer window moves into its final weeks, it will be fascinating to see how Forest navigate this period of uncertainty. The next few weeks could prove to be make-or-break for the club’s ambitions for the 2025/26 season. Will they strengthen their squad in time, or will they be forced to enter the new season with a squad that is too light in key areas? The answers to these questions will shape Nottingham Forest’s season and determine whether they can make significant progress under Nuno Espírito Santo.