Nottingham Forest’s impressive rise in the Premier League has seen them solidify their place as one of the top contenders in the league for 2025. With the club’s strong start to the year, it’s no surprise that they are keen on retaining the key figures who have helped propel them to this point. Among the star performers, striker Chris Wood has been particularly noteworthy, having played a crucial role in maintaining Forest’s unbeaten run into 2025 with a vital goal against Liverpool. As a result, Wood has reportedly been offered a new contract by the club, as Forest aim to keep hold of the Kiwi international for the foreseeable future.

But Wood isn’t the only player Forest are working hard to keep. Midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White is another key figure in the squad, and Forest are keen on tying him down to a new deal before the more elite sides from across Europe swoop in. Gibbs-White has been instrumental in Forest’s attacking play this season, and his importance to Nuno Espirito Santo’s tactical setup cannot be overstated. As one of the brightest talents at the club, Forest are working diligently to ensure they secure his future.

Right-back Ola Aina has also emerged as a crucial player for the team this season. His performances have caught the eye, and Forest are reportedly prioritizing his retention as part of their broader effort to keep their most important players. His attacking runs and defensive stability have given Forest an added edge in their defensive structure, making him another player Forest are eager to keep long term.

However, it’s not just the first-team regulars that Forest are focused on retaining. One player who has become a point of discussion is Taiwo Awoniyi, the Nigerian striker who, despite a lack of goals this season, is still considered an integral part of Forest’s plans. There has been notable interest from other Premier League clubs, including West Ham, who are reportedly looking to secure his services in January. While Awoniyi’s form has not been as prolific as it was during the 2022 season, where he scored 11 goals to help Forest survive relegation, Nuno Espirito Santo still sees him as an important squad member, primarily for his work ethic, influence in the dressing room, and his ability to step up when called upon.

Despite limited minutes on the pitch this season, with just two starts in the Premier League and only one goal to his name so far, Awoniyi’s contributions behind the scenes and his role in Forest’s overall team dynamic still make him a valuable asset in the eyes of Espirito Santo. Chris Wood himself praised Awoniyi for his hard work in training, which suggests the team recognizes the striker’s impact beyond just his goal tally. However, the question remains whether this is enough to convince other clubs that he is worth pursuing, particularly given his struggles in front of goal.

Nevertheless, there is still potential for change. According to reports, Forest will not consider selling Awoniyi unless an offer that far exceeds the £18 million they paid for him in 2022 comes in. This stipulation indicates that, despite Awoniyi’s recent dip in form, Forest’s management sees him as a valuable asset whose departure would need to be justified by a substantial financial offer. Forest are not in a position to let go of one of their key players without securing an amount that reflects his potential. His contract, which runs until 2027, provides further leverage for Forest in negotiations.

The situation surrounding Awoniyi’s future also has implications for Forest’s transfer plans. The club has been linked with a move for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, who has been performing well in the Premier League this season. However, it seems that Forest’s interest in Wissa hinges on what happens with Awoniyi. If Forest choose to keep the Nigerian striker, it could put an end to their pursuit of Wissa, who would likely need to be seen as a direct replacement for Awoniyi. Given the club’s stance on not selling Awoniyi unless a high fee is offered, it appears that they may opt to keep the Nigerian forward and refocus their attention elsewhere in the transfer market.

In summary, while Taiwo Awoniyi’s recent form may not be enough to guarantee a starting spot in Forest’s team, he still holds significant value to the club. His work ethic, off-field presence, and occasional impact on the pitch continue to make him an important player for Nuno Espirito Santo. Nottingham Forest’s stance on retaining him, unless a lucrative offer comes their way, demonstrates their commitment to keeping hold of key squad members as they look to build on their success in the Premier League. Whether or not they manage to hold onto all their star players will likely play a key role in their ambitions for the rest of the season and beyond.