Nottingham Forest fans are anxiously awaiting the return of domestic football in August, and while the excitement around the new season is building, the focus is already shifting to the team’s squad reshuffle. With a series of fresh signings on the horizon and players set to depart, the summer transfer window promises to be a busy one at the City Ground. As fans count down to the start of the 2025/26 Premier League season, one of the most intriguing aspects of Forest’s upcoming changes is the future of midfielder Lewis O’Brien.
O’Brien’s time at Forest has been something of an enigma. When the 26-year-old midfielder arrived at the club, there were high hopes that he could become a key figure in Forest’s Premier League campaign. The £10 million transfer fee seemed like a sensible investment, as O’Brien had impressed in the Championship with Huddersfield Town and was highly regarded by many in the footballing world. His dynamic style of play, ability to break up opposition attacks, and box-to-box qualities made him an intriguing signing for Steve Cooper’s squad.
However, as time has gone on, it’s become increasingly clear that O’Brien’s time at Forest has been marked more by frustration than fulfillment. While he started the 2022/23 Premier League season reasonably well, featuring in 14 league appearances, injuries and illness hindered his progress. The midfielder’s fitness issues left him sidelined for large parts of the campaign, and he was eventually omitted from Forest’s 25-man squad for the second half of the season. The fact that he couldn’t break into the team, despite Forest’s well-documented struggles in midfield, speaks volumes about his lack of impact at the club.
In the years since his arrival, O’Brien has gone on loan to various clubs in an effort to find game time, but his future at the City Ground remains uncertain. With only one year left on his contract and Forest looking to reshape their squad for the new season, it seems all but inevitable that O’Brien will be heading for the exit door. As such, the growing speculation surrounding his next move has captured the attention of both Forest fans and the wider footballing world.
The Growing Interest in O’Brien: Southampton and Birmingham Lead the Race
The latest reports suggest that two clubs from the EFL, Southampton and Birmingham City, are keen to secure O’Brien’s services. Both clubs are entering a crucial period in their respective journeys, with Southampton hoping to bounce straight back into the Premier League following relegation and Birmingham looking to solidify their place as a competitive force in the Championship. For O’Brien, the prospect of joining either club could be a lifeline, providing him with the opportunity to rebuild his career and showcase his talents in a more prominent role.
In many ways, Southampton could represent an ideal destination for O’Brien. The club has a long history of developing young talent, and their recent relegation to the Championship means they will be looking to build a squad capable of returning to the Premier League at the first attempt. With an emphasis on fluid, attacking football, O’Brien’s ability to dictate play and contribute defensively could make him a key figure in Southampton’s midfield. Moreover, the Saints have a tradition of giving players a chance to prove themselves, and O’Brien could thrive in that environment, assuming he stays injury-free and performs to his potential.
Birmingham, too, presents an intriguing opportunity. The Blues, who narrowly missed out on a playoff spot in the 2024/25 season, will be looking to strengthen their squad and make a serious push for promotion to the Premier League. A move to Birmingham could offer O’Brien regular first-team football and a chance to play a pivotal role in a midfield that is expected to be key to the club’s ambitions. The Championship is a league that suits O’Brien’s skillset, and his work rate and versatility could prove invaluable in Birmingham’s quest to reach the Premier League.
For O’Brien, both of these clubs represent a fresh start. A move away from Forest would allow him to escape the shadow of his disappointing tenure at the City Ground, where he has failed to live up to the expectations that came with his signing. Moving to a club where he can become a focal point of the midfield, rather than a bit-part player, would offer O’Brien the platform to prove himself again. And with his experience of Premier League football already under his belt, he would no doubt relish the chance to return to the top flight at either Southampton or Birmingham.
What Went Wrong for O’Brien at Forest?
While a move away from Forest now seems inevitable, it’s important to acknowledge that O’Brien’s time at the club was far from a failure. When he arrived, he was widely seen as a sensible addition, one who could bring balance to Forest’s midfield and add much-needed energy to the side. Yet, despite flashes of promise, things never quite clicked for him at Forest.
One of the key issues for O’Brien was his ongoing struggles with fitness. Injuries and illness disrupted his progress in what was a highly competitive Premier League environment, where every player needs to be at their best to secure a starting spot. While his performances before the World Cup in the 2022/23 season showed that he had the potential to become a key player, his inability to stay fit ultimately meant that he couldn’t force his way into Steve Cooper’s plans for the remainder of the season.
Additionally, Forest’s midfield options have continued to evolve, and O’Brien found himself surpassed by other, more established players. The arrival of new signings, such as Morgan Gibbs-White and the emergence of players like Ryan Yates and Orel Mangala, further squeezed O’Brien’s chances. Forest’s midfield is one of the more competitive areas of the squad, and for a player like O’Brien, who needs consistent playing time to stay sharp, being left on the periphery of the squad was always going to be a difficult situation.
O’Brien’s story at Forest can be seen as a case of unfulfilled potential. He’s a player with ability, but his time at Forest has been interrupted by bad luck with injuries and an inability to establish himself in a Premier League midfield that has evolved beyond what he could offer. Had he stayed fit and had the opportunity to play regularly, perhaps things might have turned out differently. But as it stands, Forest’s needs have changed, and O’Brien’s future lies elsewhere.
Forest’s Summer Overhaul: A Balancing Act Between Incomings and Outgoings
With new signings expected to arrive, including players like Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha, Forest’s squad is set for an overhaul. Both players are expected to join after their commitments with their respective teams at the Club World Cup, and their arrivals will no doubt bolster Forest’s attacking options. However, with new faces coming in, it’s also necessary for Forest to trim the squad and offload players who no longer fit into the team’s plans. The likes of Josh Bowler and Emmanuel Dennis are also expected to leave, as they’ve had little impact at Forest, and their departures will make room for new talent.
O’Brien’s situation is more complex, however. With just one year remaining on his contract, Forest will have to decide whether to sell him for a small fee or risk keeping him on the books for another season, potentially allowing him to leave for free the following year. Given his lack of first-team involvement and the fact that he’s been largely surpassed by other midfield options, it makes sense for Forest to try and offload him this summer. Even if they don’t recoup the £10 million they initially paid, securing a couple of million for O’Brien would be a sensible outcome, as it would help free up wages and allow the club to focus on bringing in players who will contribute to their goals for the season.
The Bigger Picture: Forest’s Ambitions and O’Brien’s Next Chapter
For Nottingham Forest, the summer transfer window represents an opportunity to continue building a squad capable of competing in the Premier League. The club has made significant strides since returning to the top flight, and Steve Cooper will be looking to strengthen in key areas. The incoming signings of players like Jesus and Cunha could provide the club with the depth and quality needed to push on, while the departures of players like O’Brien will allow for a more focused and streamlined squad.
For O’Brien, the summer represents a chance to redefine his career. His time at Forest may be remembered as a period of frustration, but a fresh start at Southampton or Birmingham could give him the opportunity to get back to the level that once made him one of the most promising midfielders in the Championship. There’s still plenty of time for O’Brien to carve out a successful career in English football, and his next move could be pivotal in determining what comes next.
As Forest prepares for the new season, the decisions made in the transfer market will be crucial to the club’s success. For O’Brien, the hope is that a move away from Forest brings with it a new lease of life and the chance to realize his potential. For Forest, the hope is that the reshuffling of the squad results in a team that is stronger, more competitive, and ready to continue their journey in the Premier League. The summer is shaping up to be one of change and opportunity—both for players like O’Brien and for the club as a whole.