Nottingham Forest’s acquisition of Alex Moreno on loan from Aston Villa during the summer transfer window was an intriguing move. The 30-year-old Spanish left-back had previously been a target for Forest back in the summer of 2022. At that time, Moreno opted to remain at Real Betis, and Forest’s pursuit of him came to an end when he eventually made the switch to Aston Villa six months later. For Forest, missing out on the player was a disappointment, but the situation has taken a different turn with his move to the Premier League side on loan.
After making the jump to Forest in the summer of 2023, the experienced full-back quickly became an important member of the squad. From the very beginning, Forest looked to integrate him into their starting lineup. He was immediately thrust into the left-back role, and his ability to provide both defensive solidity and offensive support with overlapping runs caught the attention of fans and pundits alike. Moreno made a total of 14 appearances for Forest across all competitions, including one in each of the cup competitions, which showcased his reliability and versatility.
However, despite his solid start, Moreno’s involvement in Premier League matches has been limited in recent months. He hasn’t started a league game since December 2024, with Neco Williams occupying the left-back position in his place. Forest’s loss to Manchester City in that game in December marked the last time Moreno started in the league, and since then, he has found himself on the periphery. While he has proven to be a useful squad player, particularly in the cup fixtures, his current lack of first-team action has led to some speculation about his future at Forest and the possibility of a return to Spain.
In particular, reports have emerged linking Moreno with a move back to his former club, Real Betis. Spanish journalist Samuel Silva has claimed that Betis is keen to sign Moreno on loan before the end of the January transfer window, creating further uncertainty around his future at Forest. If this move were to happen, Forest would have to send him back to Villa, or Villa might need to recall him if they are not satisfied with his game time at Forest. This potential departure would leave Forest somewhat short on full-back options, particularly given the importance of squad depth in a busy season.
Moreno has become a fan favorite at Forest, known not only for his quality on the pitch but also for his attitude and commitment to the team. He often leads the celebrations after victories, a symbol of his positive influence in the dressing room. However, with Neco Williams in good form and holding down the starting left-back spot, it seems that Moreno’s opportunities in the Premier League have become fewer, despite his solid performances when called upon.
Looking ahead, it seems unlikely that Forest will pursue a permanent deal for Moreno, especially with the club likely eyeing younger options in the left-back position for the future. Villa, on the other hand, has a surplus of left-back options, with Lucas Digne and Ian Maatsen already competing for the spot in the first team, further reducing Moreno’s chances of making an impact at Villa Park. Therefore, the summer of 2025 could see Moreno once again in a difficult situation, as he may need to find a new club that can offer him more playing time.
For now, it would be a risky move for Forest to allow Moreno to leave before the transfer window closes. The squad’s strength lies in its depth, and letting a player like Moreno go, even if he’s not currently starting in the league, would weaken the team’s options. With many more games to be played this season, having a player of Moreno’s quality available to come off the bench or step in when needed could prove to be crucial for Forest’s survival and any potential cup runs.
If Moreno does leave, whether on loan or permanently, Forest may be forced to look for reinforcements in the left-back position, although their options may be limited by the timing of such a move. While his future at Forest remains uncertain, Moreno’s time in the Premier League has demonstrated that there is still a valuable player in him, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up in the coming months.