AliousNottingham Forest’s transfer dealings often bring to mind their headline-grabbing spree during the summer of 2022 under Steve Cooper. That window saw an astonishing 23 new players arrive at the City Ground as Cooper attempted to build a squad capable of surviving in the Premier League.
While such a massive overhaul carried risks, the success rate of the signings was relatively solid. Morgan Gibbs-White, who arrived from Wolves, has since become one of Nuno Espírito Santo’s key players. His performances have even drawn interest from Liverpool as a potential future target. Another standout acquisition was Danilo, signed from Palmeiras, who has become an integral part of the squad after overcoming early adjustments and a recent injury.
However, not all of the signings from that window have left a lasting impression. Among the less memorable arrivals is Emmanuel Dennis, a striker brought in by Evangelos Marinakis due to his Premier League pedigree. Now, the Nigerian forward appears set to exit the club and potentially drop to the Championship.
Emmanuel Dennis Linked With Sheffield Wednesday Move
Dennis joined Forest in August 2022 after scoring 10 Premier League goals for Watford the previous season. However, he struggled to replicate that form at the City Ground. By 2023, Forest were reportedly willing to let him leave just a year into his contract. A series of loan moves have kept him on Forest’s books, but his time at the club seems to be nearing an end.
According to Sheffield Wednesday journalist Alex Miller, the Owls are considering Dennis as one of their striker options in January. However, Miller also noted that any deal for Dennis could prove “tricky,” particularly if Sheffield Wednesday decide to pursue him as their primary target.
Dennis has also been linked with clubs in England, Spain, and Italy, but his high wages have made it difficult for Forest to offload him.
Wage Concerns Continue to Haunt Forest
Dennis reportedly earns £40,000 per week, a figure that has become a financial headache for Marinakis. Despite limited contributions on the pitch, Dennis is out-earning several of Forest’s first-team stars, including notable players such as Matz Sels (£35,000), Morato (£35,000), Danilo (£30,000), and Anthony Elanga (£25,000).
Perhaps most surprising is that Dennis earns as much as rising star Elliot Anderson and even newly re-signed Murillo, who has been a standout performer. The wage disparity becomes even more striking when comparing Dennis to Elanga, who is reportedly earning nearly half as much despite being touted as a future star by clubs like Newcastle United.
A Costly Mistake From 2022
Marinakis likely regrets greenlighting the deal to bring Dennis to Forest, given the player’s inability to live up to expectations and his bloated wages. Sheffield Wednesday’s interest could finally provide Forest with an opportunity to cut their losses. However, given Dennis’ salary demands, completing the deal could still be a challenge.
For Marinakis, moving Dennis on in January would be a chance to rectify one of the more expensive missteps of Forest’s ambitious 2022 transfer window.
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