AliousNottingham Forest are gearing up for the January transfer window, and it seems their options may include a high-profile target who hinted at a potential move. This news comes after Forest’s active summer window, during which manager Nuno Espirito Santo brought in 11 new players. While some, like David Carmo and Marko Stamenic, have since gone on loan to Olympiacos, others have cemented their place in the team.
Among the summer acquisitions, Elliot Anderson and Nikola Milenkovic have stood out, consistently proving their value and earning starting roles when fit. Now, Forest appear ready to make additional moves, with Yuri Alberto reportedly a target for January. Adding to this, a summer pursuit who slipped through their fingers could now become a viable option.
### **Andreas Pereira Hints at Forest Move**
Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira, known as one of the Premier League’s most reliable attacking midfielders in recent years, has fueled speculation about his future. In an interview with *Premier League Brasil*, Pereira revealed that he had been close to leaving Fulham during the summer, with both Marseille and Nottingham Forest expressing strong interest.
“From outside [England], there was [an offer] from Marseille,” Pereira explained. “We talked, but unfortunately it didn’t work out. In the last days [of the transfer window], there was also [an offer from] Nottingham Forest. Those were the clubs that came closest to signing me, but there was a lot of interest. My agent always keeps me updated and said there were clubs looking at me. Let’s see what happens in January or at the end of the season.”
Pereira also spoke about his admiration for Roberto De Zerbi’s playing style at Marseille, which had made the potential move appealing. While he has remained at Fulham for now, his comments suggest that a January transfer could be on the table.
### **Does Forest Need Another Midfielder?**
While Pereira’s skillset might appeal to many teams, Nottingham Forest’s midfield is already packed with talent. Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White have excelled in advanced roles this season, while Jota Silva has proven to be an effective option in central areas. The emergence of Nicolas Dominguez has further complicated Forest’s midfield setup, giving Nuno Espirito Santo plenty of options but also a selection headache.
Anderson, in particular, has received glowing praise for his performances this season, with former Forest player Lewis McGugan highlighting the young midfielder’s potential. This depth raises the question of whether signing Pereira is necessary, especially given his inconsistent form this season—he has only scored once in 12 Premier League appearances for Fulham.
Nuno has already struggled to fit Anderson and Gibbs-White into the same starting XI at times, which could make adding Pereira to the mix more of a luxury than a necessity. Furthermore, with Forest exploring potential attacking reinforcements like Yuri Alberto, midfield may not be the priority area for investment in January.
### **Looking Ahead**
Although Pereira’s comments suggest he might be open to leaving Fulham, it remains to be seen whether Nottingham Forest will reignite their interest. Forest’s current midfield depth and Nuno’s tactical setup may leave little room for another playmaker. However, Pereira’s versatility and Premier League experience could make him an attractive option if the opportunity aligns with the club’s strategy.
As January approaches, Forest’s recruitment plans will become clearer. For now, the club’s focus remains on maintaining their strong start to the Premier League season and identifying the right targets to bolster their squad for the second half of the campaign.
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