WOW: Nuno Espirito Santos takes summer transfer correction by already submitting January wishlist reinforcement to Evangelos Marinakis… Fans won’t believe names in this list.
The ink on the Nottingham Forest contracts for James Ward-Prowse and Morato, signed on deadline day, has barely dried, but attention is already shifting to the January transfer window. Transfer planning is a year-round activity, and Forest will be looking to build on the solid business they’ve already conducted when the winter window arrives.
By January, the club will have a clearer picture of how their season is unfolding and what might be needed for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side to reach their full potential. The focus this season is on progress, and any January signings will be geared toward achieving that goal.
During the summer window, Forest took a careful, thoughtful approach to transfers, making smart deals and avoiding last-minute panic buys. This strategy could serve them well again in January.
The club chose not to overspend on a striker before the August 30 deadline. While questions remain about whether Nuno has enough attacking options, Forest may have been wiser not to rush into a costly decision just to fill a gap. In the past, the club might have acted differently, as seen with their late push for Michy Batshuayi from Chelsea in 2022.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Forest resumed their search for a forward in January. Until then, Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi will lead the line, with others in the squad capable of contributing to the goal tally.
“It is up to us. The window is closed,” Nuno said recently when asked if his squad had enough firepower. “Those that are here want to be here. This desire to improve allowed us to look for options. We have wingers like Ramon Sosa and Jota Silva who, with some patience, can play up front and offer something different.”
If Forest follows the same approach in January as they did in the summer, Nuno’s comments provide important insight. He was clear about what he wanted in the transfer window, and it’s unlikely that much will change by 2025.
Nuno values versatility in his players, especially given his preference for a smaller squad. With limited numbers, he appreciates having players who can cover multiple positions. Jota and Sosa can play up front, Morato can operate as both a left-back and center-back, and Elliot Anderson and Eric da Silva Moreira can adapt to different roles across the pitch. If Forest decides to strengthen in January, versatility will likely remain a priority.
Nuno’s emphasis on “those that are here want to be here” is also significant. From the beginning of the summer, he stressed the importance of retaining key players, and this will be even more crucial in January. Losing star players mid-season can be difficult for any team, and with talents like Murillo, Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Anthony Elanga, and Neco Williams attracting attention, Forest will want to hold on to their key assets.
The Reds made a strong statement with their summer decisions, providing a glimpse of what to expect when the window reopens in a few months.