Nottingham Forest’s transfer activity before this summer can be seen as chaotic to say the least, being a revolving door for players both in and out. This summer, however, this wasn’t the case…
Outgoings
In a window full of PSR restrictions and where many teams struggled Forest were able to strengthen, without major financial penalties. The sales of most notably: Odysseas Vlachodimos, Moussa Niakhate and Orel Mangala allowed the club to meet the PSR deadline – For three players who weren’t even within the first three choices in their positions. The club also were able to move on a further 10+ players permanently, including many on high wages.
Most notably, however, and possibly the best business the club did in the summer was keep hold of key assets. Despite interest, Murillo, Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga all remained Nottingham Forest players. Due to the previous sales, the club were under no pressure to sell, unlike in previous years.
Incomings
In terms of incomings, Forest fans can be excited over how the club decided to bring in players. A new data-focused regime allowed a much more sensible approach. They made signings that can impact the side straight away, for example, the capture of 26y/o Nikola Milenkovic for around £12M – Who was key in Fiorentina’s Conference League campaigns and Elliot Anderson from Newcastle for around £15m (inc the sale of Vlachodimos) with the 21y/o making an instant impact winning August POTM for the club. They used their two Premier League loans to bring in experience and depth in Alex Moreno and James Ward-Prowse.
Ramon Sosa and Jota Silva added needed depth on the wings whilst players like Eric Da Silva Moreira, David Carmo and Morato are signings for the future.
