Nottingham Forest’s interest in Yoane Wissa has been a hot topic among fans, with the versatile forward seen as a potential solution to their attacking needs. Wissa has been in excellent form for Brentford this season, scoring 12 Premier League goals so far, just one behind Forest’s record Premier League scorer, Chris Wood. His ability to consistently find the net, paired with his versatility to play across the front line, made him an appealing target for Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis and manager Nuno Espírito Santo.

Wissa’s appeal lies not only in his goal-scoring record but also in his ability to operate effectively in various positions. His time at Brentford has shown he can perform centrally as a striker and in wide areas as a goal-scoring winger, a trait that Forest have been keen to add to their squad. For example, during his time with Lorient in the 2019/20 season, Wissa scored 13 goals in just 20 appearances from a left-wing role, proving his effectiveness out wide. This adaptability could provide Forest with more flexibility in attack and a reliable alternative to Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi.

Initially, Forest fans were encouraged by reports suggesting Brentford would entertain offers for Wissa in January. It seemed the club had a real opportunity to bolster their squad with a player of proven Premier League quality. However, a recent report by The Athletic has cast doubt on the likelihood of Forest pursuing Wissa during this window. Senior figures at the City Ground are reportedly keen on a “quiet, considered” January window, reflecting their confidence in the current squad’s ability to continue their strong campaign.

The report highlighted Forest’s intentions to bolster their attacking options with another forward to provide competition and cover for Wood and Awoniyi. Despite this, the preference for a calm and measured approach to the transfer market suggests that wholesale changes or high-risk moves are unlikely. This has left the prospect of signing Wissa uncertain, even though he fits the profile of a “considered” signing due to his ability to solve multiple tactical problems for the club.

The hesitation to move for Wissa appears to align with Marinakis’ priority to retain Forest’s current stars during the January window. Forest’s strong push for European football has largely been built on the cohesion of their squad, and any new addition could risk disrupting the balance they’ve worked hard to establish. This cautious strategy indicates that Marinakis and the club’s hierarchy are content to rely on the existing squad to achieve their ambitions, only pursuing new players if they are deemed low-risk and highly impactful.

However, it’s worth noting that Wissa’s versatility and proven track record make him the kind of player who could align perfectly with Forest’s January transfer philosophy. If Forest were to reassess their approach and decide to make a move, Wissa could be utilized in a hybrid role, providing competition for Awoniyi centrally and offering a goal-scoring threat from wide positions. This would allow Nuno Espírito Santo to have more attacking options without needing to reshape his tactical approach significantly.

For now, the possibility of signing Wissa remains in limbo. While Forest’s cautious stance suggests they are unlikely to make bold moves, the forward’s versatility, dependability, and ability to adapt to multiple roles could still see him emerge as a key target later in the window. If Forest’s ambitions for European football remain on track, Marinakis may decide to pull the trigger on a deal that strengthens their chances while respecting the “considered” approach the club appears committed to.

Ultimately, Wissa represents an intriguing option for Nottingham Forest. Whether or not they act on the opportunity will depend on the club’s assessment of their squad’s needs as the January window progresses. Fans can only wait to see if Forest’s ambition in the transfer market matches their aspirations on the pitch.