Nottingham Forest’s approach to squad management during the summer 2024 transfer window has been nothing short of impressive. After a challenging 2023/24 season that saw the club struggle with squad imbalance, Forest took the bold step of streamlining their roster, allowing them to focus on building a more cohesive and focused team under the guidance of Nuno Espirito Santo. With over 20 players departing the club during the summer, Forest’s restructuring process has drawn widespread praise, as the club moves away from the chaotic and fragmented squad of previous seasons.

One of the biggest challenges Forest faced over the past few years was the sheer size of their squad, which had grown unwieldy after their return to the Premier League. A number of players, often referred to as the “bomb squad” by fans and pundits, found themselves out of favor under previous managers, with limited or no involvement in first-team action. These players, some of whom were on high wages or had underperformed, contributed to an air of discontent around the club. However, under Nuno Espirito Santo, that era has largely come to an end. Espirito Santo has made it clear that he intends to work with a smaller, more focused group of players, and this philosophy has already had a positive impact, both on the pitch and within the overall atmosphere at the club.

As a result, only Manchester City has used fewer players than Nottingham Forest during the 2024/25 season, signaling a more streamlined and efficient squad. This approach not only reflects Espirito Santo’s tactical preferences but also his ability to foster a more harmonious environment for the players, who now have more opportunities to gel as a team and focus on developing their chemistry. Espirito Santo has earned praise from pundits and fans alike, not just for the work he’s done on the pitch, but for the positivity and clarity he’s brought to the club off the field as well. The once infamous “bomb squad” has largely dissipated, and many of the players who were part of that group are no longer part of the picture. The doors seem to be closing once and for all on that unwanted chapter of Forest’s recent history.

However, there are still a few players left from the previous regime who may not have a long-term future at the club. One of these players is Emmanuel Dennis, a versatile forward who has struggled to find a place in Forest’s squad since his arrival. Dennis, who was signed for £10 million from Watford, showed glimpses of his talent during his time in the Premier League with Watford, scoring 10 goals during the 2021/22 season. His move to Forest was seen as a solid investment at the time, but things haven’t worked out as expected. Under Steve Cooper, Dennis found his opportunities limited, with just two goals and three assists in 25 appearances during his first season at Forest. His game time was restricted, and when he did get minutes on the pitch, he was often deployed out of position, which hindered his ability to make a meaningful impact.

Dennis’ struggles at Forest were compounded by the club’s overall lack of consistency during that season. With Forest battling relegation for much of the campaign, it’s understandable that certain players, like Dennis, found it difficult to thrive in a team that was under constant pressure. However, with the departure of Steve Cooper and the arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo, it seemed like a fresh start for all players, including Dennis. Unfortunately for the Nigerian forward, that fresh start hasn’t materialized into more regular playing time, and now it seems that his days at Forest may be numbered.

Reports suggest that several clubs from La Liga, Serie A, and the English Football League (EFL) are now interested in signing Dennis. With just 18 months remaining on his contract, it might now be easier for Forest to offload Dennis, either through a permanent transfer or a loan deal. The club will likely be keen to move him on and free up wages, as they continue to reshape their squad for the future. While Dennis has shown flashes of his potential, especially during his time at Watford, it seems unlikely that he will figure into Espirito Santo’s long-term plans at Forest.

It’s hard not to feel some sympathy for Dennis, who perhaps could have been utilized more during the first season in the Premier League, especially given that he was not as ineffective as some might have suggested. He was often played out of position, and his confidence likely suffered as a result. The lack of regular football has undoubtedly affected his form and confidence, and it’s clear that he hasn’t been able to find his rhythm at Forest. It’s a difficult situation for a player who showed such promise in the past, but sometimes football doesn’t work out the way one hopes.

In any case, Forest now find themselves in a position where they need to part ways with Dennis, one way or another. Whether it’s through a loan move to another club or a permanent transfer, the key now is to ensure that Dennis departs the club in a way that suits both his career and Forest’s long-term plans. By moving him on, Forest can further solidify their commitment to working with a smaller, more cohesive squad, which has already shown signs of progress under Espirito Santo.

For Forest fans, the idea of bidding farewell to the “bomb squad” once and for all will undoubtedly be a welcomed one. After years of instability, mismanagement, and a bloated squad, the club now appears to be heading in a new direction—one that emphasizes quality over quantity. For Dennis, a change of scenery may be just what he needs to revive his career, and for Forest, the focus can now shift to continuing the positive momentum under Nuno Espirito Santo, with a squad that is more focused, balanced, and ready to push for greater success in the Premier League.