Nottingham Forest could raise £21m from sales as Nuno gets green light to overhaul squad

Manager Nuno Espírito Santo was relieved to learn that the end of June passed without Nottingham Forest losing any of their key players.

The Reds have brought in good money for Odysseas Vlachodimos, Moussa Niakhate and Orel Mangala. And with those sales in mind, Nuno said Forest “don’t need to worry” about complying with the Profitability and Sustainability Rules.

They were docked four points last season for a PSR breach and avoiding a repeat of that situation was a priority for the upcoming campaign.

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June 30 was a key date in this regard, marking the deadline for the next financial assessment period. Forest got through this without having to consider selling any of its valuable assets at discounted rates to balance the books.

It means they are in the driving seat should any bids arrive before the summer window closes on August 30. The club will be able to consider any offers for key men on their own terms.

They still have some work to do when it comes to moving fringe players, however. Nuno admitted after Saturday’s friendly win over Chesterfield that careful decisions will be made regarding their futures – particularly those players returning from loan spells.

“We have a few (signings) and the squad is not finalised yet,” Nuno said at the weekend. “We still have aspects to decide. We are working with players who were on loan; we have to take a good look at them and make the right decisions for them.

“But the most important thing is that we managed to keep our players. I am very, very happy about that – that we as a club are keeping our most important players, because I believe that after the work of last season that is what will give us the improvement this season.”

An interesting second half of the transfer window is on the horizon. NottinghamshireLive takes a look at some of the players with uncertain futures.

Matt Turner: Carlos Miguel has been brought in to compete with Matz Sels for the No. 1 spot, pushing Turner down the pecking order. It remains to be seen whether Forest target another goalkeeper to make it three veteran goalkeepers on the books, but Turner will likely want game time regardless. He is said to have interest in MLS and is valued at €7m (£5.9m) on transfermarkt.

Joe Worrall: It was perhaps telling that the defender did not wear the armband on Saturday, despite starting the game. Ryan Yates had that honour, just as he did in Worrall’s absence last term. A summer move has long looked likely for the club captain. He would be available for around £4m. Sheffield United remain interested.

Jonathan Panzo: Although he has never really been given a chance at the City Ground, the 23-year-old defender is still relatively young. Standard Liege opted not to keep him after he spent the second half of last season on loan there, but he is still expected to move this summer. With just one year remaining on his contract with the Reds, he is valued at €1.2m (£1m) on transfermarkt.

Alex Mighten: The 22-year-old once again finds his career at something of a crossroads. A succession of loan spells have not panned out and forcing his way into Nuno’s plans looks difficult, especially as he has just one year left on his contract. Transfermarkt have put his value at £500,000.

Lewis O’Brien: The midfielder has already been linked with a number of clubs this summer. Middlesbrough decided not to make his move permanent due to his loan spell last season. Sheffield United, Preston North End, Ipswich Town and Luton Town have all been credited with interest. Reports have suggested that some potential suitors would prefer a loan deal, while Forest would prefer to sell. He is valued at £4m.

Josh Bowler: Granted, it was only a friendly, but the winger’s muted celebration when he scored against the Spireites was perhaps also an indication that he doesn’t expect to stay around. He’s had several loan spells since putting pen to paper at Trentside. If the Reds do try to sell this time around, transfermarkt’s £1.2m valuation probably isn’t far off the mark.

Emanuel Dennis: Some might argue that the 26-year-old deserves a chance in Nuno’s side. If Forest do decide to cash in, they are likely to make a loss on the £20m they paid Watford two years ago. Transfermarkt say he is now worth £3.5m.

Hwang Ui-jo: It seems likely that he will leave the Reds without ever making a first-team appearance at Garibaldi. He has been on loan since signing two years ago, but if Forest can secure a permanent transfer for the striker this time around, they will certainly do so. Valued at £1.5m.

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