Nottingham Forest transfer dilemmas as Nuno gives food for thought

Preseason serves many purposes. It’s about logging minutes and working out kinks in preparation for another rigorous campaign.

But it’s also about seizing opportunities. And on that front, Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo may have a lot to chew on.

Two friendlies in, and it is possible to see some of the Portuguese’s plans for the 2024/25 Premier League season taking shape. But he may also have been given some food for thought.

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The Reds headed to Spain earlier this week for training camp, with Nuno seeing the trip as an important moment for the team to bond as well as a chance to do some serious groundwork.

A sense of unity will be vital again as Forest aim to climb the table. How the dressing room looks in August, however, is sure to be interesting.

The Reds already had the nucleus of a strong group in place from last season and have built on that foundation with some very promising signings. They still have work to do in the transfer market, but if there are still some spaces in the squad to be filled, Friday night’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland saw a few players try to seize their opportunity.

Richards’ option?

By his own admission, Omar Richards has “been through a lot” over the past two years. In fact, that’s putting it mildly. The defenseman has had a hell of a couple of years.

Much was expected of him when he signed at the City Ground in the summer of 2022. The fact it has taken him so long to make his debut at the Garibaldi is testament to what he has been through.

Richards’ first year on Trentside was an injury nightmare. He managed to take part in training to some extent last summer, but didn’t see action in pre-season. A loan spell with Olympiacos at least gave him some game time, and he appears to have benefited from the change of scenery.

There have been rumours that he could return to the Evangelos Marinakis-owned club during this transfer window. But could he actually do the job for Forest?

It took him just three minutes to make an impact against the Black Cats. After an incredible run, he latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Anthony Elanga and poked the ball home from a tight angle to equalise. It was a fabulous finish and must have boosted his confidence no end.

The Reds are likely to assess their left-back options this summer. Ola Aina made the left-back position his own last season, but can also play on the right; Neco Williams can also operate on either flank, and Harry Toffolo has generally been a reliable performer. Richards has perhaps provided food for thought, however.

Showcase

Nuno made it clear after Saturday’s win over Chesterfield that strengthening his wide options needed to be a priority. There are other areas of the pitch that still need attention, too, and perhaps the front should be one of them.

Taiwo Awoniyi did not travel to Spain with his teammates as he is dealing with a family matter. He was also absent against the Spireites.

Chris Wood scored at the SMH Group Stadium and will certainly play a key role in 2024/25, just as he did last season. Awoniyi will also be important. Nuno will be keen to see both remain fit.

Still, it seems Forest would benefit from adding another option to their attacking ranks. Someone with a bit of pace and capable of running in behind would make a difference.

The chance to do that against Sunderland was open, and several players made positive bursts into the box. The Reds missed a few chances on this occasion, but how they finish the transfer window is where the real importance lies. Nuno wants a balanced team with strength in depth in all areas.

Much like Richards, Emmanuel Dennis may be hoping to be part of the squad after returning from a loan spell. He has certainly not been lacking in effort in the first two friendlies.

Training tip

Against Chesterfield, Forest deployed a four-man defence and a three-man defence. This time, Nuno fielded a completely different XI for the second half, but kept three at the back.

It’s a system he favoured during his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers. And given his prominence so far in pre-season, he appears to have his sights set on the Reds using it when the serious action begins.

There was no departure for latest signing Nikola Milenkovic on Friday night. His first minutes are likely to come against Millwall on Tuesday, as the second of three friendlies are being played at the Pinatar Arena while Forest are in Spain.

With the Serbian international not involved, Joe Worrall, Murillo and youngster Zach Abbott formed the defence in the first half. Sloppy play from Murillo resulted in the penalty that put his team behind at the break.

Toffolo was brought into the three-man defence after the break. It was a different position for the left-back, but he did it well enough, even if he is unlikely to be called upon to fill the role in the Premier League. Willy Boly and Andrew Omobamidele completed the line-up.

In both halves, it looked like the defenders were encouraged to push forward. From the overall game, the impression given is that Nuno wants the Reds to be in front next period.

Goalkeeper Battle

Matz Sels has yet to see any game time in a Garibaldi shirt, having played for Belgium at Euro 2024. With Matt Turner back in the side after a season abroad, it was his turn to get some minutes on Friday night.

The American played the second half, after Carlos Miguel had another 45 minutes in the first. It remains to be seen whether he will move on this summer, having fallen down the pecking order to third choice between the posts. If he does leave, does Nuno need to recruit a third senior centre-back?

The big question, though, is who will be the No. 1? Forming a judgement on Miguel is difficult as he hasn’t really been tested in pre-season so far. He guessed the right way for Sunderland’s penalty, but the ball flew under him to open the scoring. Other than that, he hasn’t really had the opportunity to make any saves. In that sense, there could still be plenty to play for in Forest’s remaining friendlies.

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