AliousNottingham Forest’s summer transfer window was marked by significant activity, both in terms of incoming players and streamlining the squad. The club successfully brought in 11 new players, with Marko Stamenic and David Carmo being loaned out to Olympiacos for the 2024/25 season. However, perhaps the most crucial aspect of their transfer strategy was the decision to offload over 20 players, either on loan or permanently, in a clear effort to trim the squad.
This approach was particularly important given Forest’s less-than-ideal use of the loan market in the previous season, which resulted in all loan signings returning to their parent clubs. Despite these efforts, one player remains at the club who seems to have no future under manager Nuno Espirito Santo – Emmanuel Dennis.
Dennis, a Nigerian striker, was signed by Forest in 2022 for £20 million following their promotion to the Premier League. However, it quickly became apparent that he wasn’t favored by then-manager Steve Cooper, with most of his appearances coming from the bench. In 25 appearances for Forest, Dennis managed only two goals and three assists, a disappointing return for such a significant investment.
The striker’s situation is further complicated by his £40,000-a-week wages, which are notably higher than those of key player Murillo, who earns £30,000-a-week. Forest’s inability to move Dennis off the wage bill during the summer transfer window is seen as a significant disappointment and a potential drain on resources.
Dennis’s signing is now viewed as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of recruitment when too many external influences are involved in the decision-making process. It’s speculated that his acquisition might have been sanctioned by club owner Evangelos Marinakis based on information from outside the club’s regular recruitment channels.
At 26 years old, Dennis may be regretting his decision to join Forest, even though it initially offered him the chance to remain in the Premier League following Watford’s relegation. His previous season at Watford, where he scored 10 goals, had made him appear a promising signing for Forest. However, his performances since joining have not lived up to expectations.
Given the current situation, there are growing calls for Forest to consider paying out Dennis’s contract and moving on from what has become an embarrassing episode for the club. This would allow both parties to part ways and potentially provide Dennis with an opportunity to revitalize his career elsewhere.
The case of Emmanuel Dennis serves as a stark reminder of the importance of careful, strategic recruitment in football, especially for clubs like Nottingham Forest who are working to establish themselves as Premier League regulars while managing financial resources effectively.
Alious
