AliousNottingham Forest are gearing up for an active January transfer window as they aim to strengthen their squad for the second half of the Premier League season. With the market now open, the club is reportedly exploring various options to bring in reinforcements, particularly in attacking positions.
### Forest Eye Striker as Priority
A striker seems to be at the top of Nuno Espírito Santo’s wishlist. Forest have already been linked with Igor Jesus, the Botafogo forward who has caught the attention of several English clubs. His potential arrival could address the Reds’ need for more firepower up front.
Another name that had surfaced was Mathys Tel, the young talent from Bayern Munich. Tel, who has earned praise from none other than Harry Kane for his performances in Germany, was on Forest’s radar. However, the Frenchman is expected to remain at Bayern, leaving Forest to explore other options for bolstering their attack.
### Marcus Edwards Linked to Forest with an Unexpected Twist
While a striker remains the primary focus, Forest are also reportedly interested in adding a winger to their ranks. According to Turkish journalist Oguz Oruc, the club has agreed to sign Marcus Edwards from Sporting CP. However, there’s a twist: instead of joining Forest immediately, Edwards is expected to spend the remainder of the season on loan at Olympiacos before eventually linking up with the Reds.
Edwards, a 26-year-old left-footed winger, has struggled for regular game time at Sporting this season, starting just once in the league but still managing three goals across all competitions. Despite his limited opportunities in Portugal, his talent has been evident, and Forest see him as a valuable addition to their squad in the near future.
### A Player with Premier League Potential
The prospect of returning to the Premier League appears to have played a significant role in Edwards’ decision. The winger began his career at Tottenham Hotspur, where he was considered one of the brightest prospects in their academy. However, after making just one senior appearance for Spurs, Edwards moved to Vitoria in Portugal to seek regular football and rebuild his career.
Edwards has since developed into a player of considerable quality, and his performances have even drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi. Former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino once described him as having “Messi-like” potential, a statement that has been echoed by pundits like Peter Crouch. After a standout showing against Spurs in the Champions League, Crouch remarked, “It was almost the goal of the season. He’s been compared with Messi by Pochettino – and now we can absolutely see why.”
### A Valuable Addition for the Future
The decision to initially loan Edwards to Olympiacos may seem unusual, particularly since Forest currently lack a left-footed winger. However, this arrangement allows the player to get regular game time before making a full transition to the Premier League.
Over his time at Sporting, Edwards has recorded impressive stats, with 120 appearances yielding 24 goals and 26 assists. His creativity and ability to score could make him a vital asset for Forest once he joins the squad.
At 26, Edwards is entering the prime of his career and fits the profile of the type of player Forest are targeting. If the Turkish reports are accurate and the deal goes through, it could be an exciting piece of business for the Reds. His eventual arrival could significantly enhance their attacking options and provide a spark on the wings that the team currently lacks.
In the short term, Forest will continue their hunt for a striker and potentially other reinforcements, but the Marcus Edwards deal hints at their forward-thinking strategy to build a competitive squad for seasons to come.
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