Alious
Transfer Window Drama Looms at City Ground
As the January transfer window approaches, Nottingham Forest faces crucial decisions regarding their squad composition, particularly concerning expiring contracts. While recent speculation has swirled around potential high-profile departures – with Liverpool eyeing Murillo as a Van Dijk successor and Newcastle showing interest in Milenkovic – it’s the situation of two veteran squad members that demands immediate attention.
Four Forest players will see their contracts expire next summer. While positive negotiations are underway with Chris Wood and Ola Aina, uncertainty clouds the futures of Harry Toffolo and Willy Boly. James Ward-Prowse’s loan spell is also set to conclude, with early indicators suggesting against a permanent move.
Toffolo’s position appears particularly precarious. With just 36 minutes of playing time this season and exclusion from even cup competitions, his role has become peripheral. The presence of multiple left-back options – Alex Moreno, Neco Williams, and Ola Aina – further complicates his pathway to regular football. The January window might represent Forest’s final opportunity to recoup any value from his departure.
Boly’s situation is equally telling. Despite his established relationship with manager Nuno Espirito Santo from their successful Wolves tenure, playing opportunities have been scarce. After featuring in the season opener, he’s been limited to a single minute of Premier League action. The emergence of Milenkovic and Murillo as the preferred center-back partnership, combined with promising young defenders like Abbott, Morato, and Omobamidele waiting in the wings, suggests Boly’s time might be drawing to a close.
The lack of contract discussions for both players hints at their likely departures, with January potentially offering Forest a last chance to capitalize on any remaining transfer value before summer free transfers become inevitable.
Alious
