Nottingham Forest’s impressive recent form has sparked a surge of optimism among their supporters, who are now daring to dream of European football next season. Just a few months ago, the idea of mid-table mediocrity and securing Premier League safety with a few weeks to spare seemed like a realistic ambition for Forest fans. However, after a fantastic run of seven wins in eight games, including a crucial victory over Southampton, Forest are now in the hunt for a European spot. This has significantly shifted the club’s outlook for the rest of the season and beyond.
The team’s unexpected surge up the table has lifted the mood at the City Ground, and fans are beginning to dust off their passports, dreaming of continental competitions in the upcoming campaign. With European qualification suddenly within reach, the club’s ambitions are set to evolve. However, despite this newfound optimism, it appears that Forest might not be too active in the January transfer window. Club owner Evangelos Marinakis is keen on adding a new striker to bolster the squad, but much of the transfer activity seems likely to be on hold for now.
The club has been linked with several players in recent weeks, including a potential move for Douglas Luiz, the Brazilian midfielder currently at Juventus. Luiz, who was signed by Juventus from Aston Villa last summer for a hefty £37.7 million, has not lived up to expectations in Turin. Despite his potential, he has struggled to secure a first-team spot under Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri. This has opened the door for various clubs, including Forest, to express interest in acquiring the 25-year-old. Juventus is reportedly eager to offload Luiz, given his limited impact since joining, and this has sparked intrigue from multiple Premier League clubs.
However, despite Forest’s interest, the situation regarding Luiz’s future appears more complicated. According to reports, Luiz himself is keen on making a return to Manchester City, where he previously played before his move to Villa. The Brazilian is reportedly eager to prove himself at the Etihad Stadium after failing to make a first-team appearance during his initial spell with City. His desire to return to Manchester City is understandable, as they are currently searching for a replacement for Rodri following the Spaniard’s injury earlier in the season. While City’s form has improved, they remain six points behind Forest in the standings, and securing Luiz could help bolster their midfield options during a crucial part of the season.
Given the circumstances, it seems that Forest’s pursuit of Luiz was always somewhat of a pipedream. Players with Champions League experience, like Luiz, have the luxury of being selective about their next moves, especially when considering offers from clubs like Manchester City. Forest’s ambition to bring in high-caliber players is evident, but in this case, Luiz’s preference for a return to City has effectively dashed their hopes of securing his services. His potential transfer to City, where he could play a significant role in their midfield, is likely to be a blow to Forest’s chances of landing him in the immediate future.
Nonetheless, the fact that Forest were even linked with a player of Luiz’s caliber speaks volumes about the club’s aspirations. As they continue to push for a European place this season, it’s clear that they are thinking bigger and casting a wider net when it comes to potential signings. Even though it may not be the right time for high-profile additions in January, Forest’s interest in top-tier players like Luiz suggests that the summer transfer window could be much more active, especially if the club secures European football.
Looking ahead, the current transfer links indicate that Forest are preparing for a much more ambitious future. With the possibility of European football on the horizon, Marinakis will likely leave no stone unturned in his quest to strengthen the squad. The club will undoubtedly aim to attract higher-caliber players who can make an immediate impact, with the hope of building a team capable of competing in both domestic and European competitions.
For now, though, it seems unlikely that Forest will make any major moves in January, despite their strong form and growing ambitions. The priority remains ensuring that the current squad continues to perform at a high level and maintaining their push for European football. If that goal is achieved, the summer transfer window could be a game-changer for Forest, with the potential for even more exciting developments at the City Ground.