AliousNottingham Forest’s interest in Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has raised eyebrows, as owner Evangelos Marinakis aims to make a bold statement in the January transfer window.
The pursuit of Wissa, a player with 12 goals to his name this season, highlights Forest’s ambition to secure high-caliber talent. His proven goal-scoring ability would make him a valuable alternative to Chris Wood for manager Nuno Espirito Santo. However, Brentford’s reluctance to sell during the January window poses a significant challenge to Forest’s plans.
Currently sitting third in the Premier League, Forest’s impressive position could be a tempting prospect for Wissa, who has yet to experience anything beyond mid-table stability with Brentford. While some believe that signing Wissa signals an intention to replace Taiwo Awoniyi—who has attracted interest from West Ham—reports suggest that Forest’s interest goes beyond simply finding a replacement.
Yoane Wissa’s Versatility Makes Him an Appealing Target
According to *The Telegraph*, Forest view Wissa as a player capable of bolstering their attacking options not just centrally but across the entire front three. His versatility is a rare asset, allowing him to contribute effectively in multiple roles.
Unlike Chris Wood, who functions solely as a central striker, Wissa’s ability to adapt to different positions would enhance Forest’s attacking dynamics. At Brentford, Wissa played as a left winger in seven games last season, and even more frequently before Ivan Toney’s arrival. This adaptability has caught the attention of Arsenal as well, underscoring Wissa’s value as a modern forward.
Solving Multiple Problems in One Transfer
Signing Wissa could address several of Forest’s ongoing challenges. While both Wood and Awoniyi thrive in physical, central roles, Wissa would bring a more dynamic dimension to the attack. His ability to play wide would also fill a gap for Forest, who have struggled to sign a winger in January. Missed opportunities with Romain Esse and Raul Moro, who has reportedly agreed terms with Ajax, have left Forest searching for a wide player with a goal-scoring edge.
Wissa’s presence would offer flexibility, allowing him to cover both wide positions while providing a greater scoring threat compared to current wingers like Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi. This would not only take pressure off Wood but also enable Espirito Santo to experiment with new attacking combinations, giving Forest a more well-rounded offensive strategy.
A Complex Deal Worth Pursuing
While securing Wissa won’t be straightforward, the Brentford star’s versatility and goal-scoring prowess make him an ideal target for Forest. Marinakis faces a tough negotiation process, but Espirito Santo will undoubtedly hope that the club can pull off this transformative signing, giving him a player capable of elevating Forest’s attack to new heights.
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