The January transfer window presents an opportunity, but it also poses a dilemma for Nottingham Forest.
In the battle for Premier League survival, a few key additions could make the difference. However, for the Reds, too many could risk undoing the positive strides which have been made in recent weeks.
Head coach Steve Cooper has acknowledged the challenges which came with making 22 signings in the summer. Only recently have Forest begun to look more like a team; it has taken time for cohesion and relationships to develop.
READ MORE: Five academy wonderkids who could have bright future for Reds
READ MORE: Forest confirm Carabao Cup details ahead of return to action
It means, come January, the club faces a difficult balancing act. The priority is to end the month with a squad which gives the Reds a chance of staying up. But ripping up the progress made by bringing in a whole load of new faces again makes little sense. The winter window is therefore unlikely to be anywhere near as busy as the summer one was.
Forest recruited in all areas as they prepared for a return to life in the top-flight. They had to.
Some of those arrivals have made a greater impact than others so far, while some had started to really show what they can do prior to the World Cup break. Cooper’s side signed off on a high by climbing off the foot of the table, and the aim will be to pick up from where they left off when the action resumes.
By then, it is hoped sidelined trio Moussa Niakhate, Omar Richards and Harry Toffolo will be close to making their comebacks. It’s a cliche, but Niakhate and Richards, in particular, will be akin to having two new signings in the squad given how little they have played - in the latter’s case, not at all.
Their returns should mean Forest have sufficient options defensively. They are also well stocked in the middle of the park.
If Cooper does look to strengthen, it is perhaps in attack where he might want to bolster his resources. It might be stating the obvious, but goals will be crucial in the scrap at the bottom end of the table.
We want to know what business you think the Reds should do in the transfer window. How many signings should they make? Which position needs to be a priority?
You can have your say in our Big Forest Forum fan survey. Take part in the survey above or click here. You can also have your say in the comments section too.
What January transfer business Forest should do? Have your say in the comments below
READ NEXT
