The January transfer window is fast approaching, and it has the potential to be an important one for Nottingham Forest.
With 22 signings made in the summer, the Reds are unlikely to go on a shopping spree of quite the same scale. Head coach Steve Cooper has regularly spoken about the challenges posed by such a huge overhaul.
It has taken time for the group to gel, but having shown signs of cohesion developing prior to the World Cup break, Forest won’t want to rip up the progress made by bringing in another raft of signings. Nevertheless, they will weigh up whether the odd key addition could make the difference in the battle for survival.
READ MORE: Forest injury fears as fresh Cheikhou Kouyate claim emerges
READ MORE: Piers Morgan agrees with Roy Keane on 'big mistake' from Kane and Bale
Any incomings would have an impact on those players currently on the books, given the Reds are already at the limit of their 25-man Premier League squad. Midfielder Cafu and striker Lyle Taylor were left off the list in the summer, and they may well both move on when the window reopens as their situations are unlikely to have changed. Forest would also be open to offers for Harry Arter, who has not been part of the first-team set-up for some time.
Meanwhile, at some point decisions will need to be made on those players whose contracts are up at the end of the season. January represents the club’s last chance to cash in, should they decide to sell - otherwise those concerned can walk away for nothing in the summer, if a new deal is not agreed.
Jordan Smith, Jack Colback, Cafu, Jesse Lingard and Lyle Taylor will be out of contract in 2023. Serge Aurier’s deal is also believed to run until then.
Before the campaign paused, Cooper's side signed off with a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace which lifted them off the foot of the table. They have made positive strides which offer cause for optimism when the action resumes next month. Getting the balance right between building on the steps made and ensuring they end January with a squad with the potential to stay up will be key.
You can have your say on potential January departures using our special widget. You can go through the squad, including those currently out on loan, and let us know whether the Reds should keep or sell them in January.
What January transfer business should Forest do? Have your say in the comments below
READ NEXT:
