January is a pivotal month for Nottingham Forest as they navigate the complexities of the transfer window. Balancing their push for a strong Premier League finish while maintaining squad harmony is a delicate task. Here’s a closer look at five potential moves the club could make before the February 3 deadline:
Yuri Alberto
The Brazilian forward has been on Forest’s radar for some time, with rumors of a £19 million bid from the Reds circulating. Alberto, currently at Corinthians, has expressed his dream of playing in the Premier League, though he has also hinted at his desire to stay in Brazil and chase silverware with his current club. Forest face competition from several Premier League rivals, including West Ham, Everton, and Newcastle.
Ben Godfrey
Versatility is a key asset for Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad, and Atalanta’s Ben Godfrey fits the bill. Capable of playing as a center-back or full-back, the 26-year-old has reportedly drawn interest from Forest, along with Wolves, Leicester, and Roma. Having moved to Atalanta for around £10 million last summer, Godfrey is reportedly open to a return to the Premier League, offering Forest a potential defensive reinforcement.
Lewis O’Brie
With his loan spell at LAFC now over, O’Brien’s future remains uncertain. Despite the MLS club’s initial interest in retaining him, Forest may explore other options for the midfielder. Championship clubs such as Southampton, Leeds, and Sheffield United have been linked, making a transfer for O’Brien a priority to ensure he finds consistent game time.
Emmanuel Dennis
Dennis, who has been out of favor and omitted from Forest’s 25-man Premier League squad, is another player likely to leave this month. The forward’s lack of involvement has led to speculation about his departure, though there has been little concrete interest reported so far. Moving Dennis on could free up resources for Forest to strengthen elsewhere.
Andrew Omobamidele
The young defender has struggled for minutes under Nuno and could be loaned out to gain experience. Clubs like Leeds United, where manager Daniel Farke previously worked with Omobamidele at Norwich, are rumored to be interested. A temporary move might be the best solution for both Forest and the 22-year-old, allowing him to develop while clearing space in the squad.
As the transfer window unfolds, Nottingham Forest will aim to strike the right balance between bolstering their squad and maintaining their upward trajectory in the Premier League.