AliousNottingham Forest appear to have identified a reliable backup for Chris Wood as a key priority in the January transfer window, with Evangelos Marinakis reportedly eyeing a striker to complement the Kiwi star.
Chris Wood’s incredible form this season has earned him widespread recognition, including a spot in Jamie Carragher’s Premier League team of the season so far. With 11 league goals to his name, Wood has silenced skeptics, including Gary Lineker, who recently praised his standout performance in Forest’s victory over Everton.
However, Wood’s success has raised concerns about how Forest would handle his absence due to injury, prompting Nuno Espirito Santo to explore backup options. Among the players on the club’s radar are Yuri Alberto and an emerging alternative: Croatian striker Petar Musa.
Petar Musa: Forest’s New Target for January
According to journalist Rudy Galetti, Nottingham Forest are seriously considering a move for Petar Musa, currently plying his trade at FC Dallas in the MLS. Musa, who netted 16 goals in 27 league starts last season, is seen as a cost-effective yet highly capable option.
While FC Dallas initially set a price tag of over £18 million for the 26-year-old, they are reportedly “open to evaluating offers,” suggesting the deal could align with Forest’s budget. Leicester City are also vying for Musa’s signature, potentially offering him more guaranteed playing time. However, Forest’s push for European football might make the move more enticing for the Croatian forward.
Why Musa Fits Forest’s System
Musa’s playing style aligns closely with Chris Wood’s, making him an ideal backup. A closer look at their statistics reveals striking similarities:
| **Statistic (per 90)** | **Chris Wood** | **Petar Musa** |
|—————————–|—————|—————|
| Touches in Opposition Box | 3.07 | 5.67 |
| Aerial Duels Won | 3.01 | 3.13 |
| Aerial Duels Win Percentage | 40.7% | 61.5% |
| Shots on Target | 1.20 | 1.21 |
Musa not only matches Wood in areas like aerial dominance and shooting accuracy but also surpasses him in opposition box touches and aerial duel win percentage.
A Strong Case for Musa
Chris Wood’s record-equalling Premier League campaign sets a high bar for any incoming striker. Still, Musa’s statistical profile suggests he could replicate much of Wood’s output under the guidance of Forest’s coaching staff. His ability to integrate into the team’s system, combined with his goal-scoring track record, makes him a promising candidate.
As Forest pursue a top-half finish and potentially a European spot, adding a dependable striker like Musa could be the insurance policy the squad needs to maintain momentum through the second half of the season.
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