The challenges Nottingham Forest face in competing against established Premier League sides have been laid bare in a new report.
The CIES Football Observatory has looked into the cost of starting XIs in the top-flight and across the “big five” leagues in Europe. And their findings make for interesting reading.
After promotion was achieved in May, Reds owner Evangelos Marinakis sanctioned a significant spending spree in preparation for the step up in divisions. Upwards of £140m was splashed out, with 22 new players brought in - albeit three of the summer signings immediately went out on loan.
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Striker linked
Nottingham Forest are said to be among a number of clubs eyeing Salernitana striker Boulaye Dia.
The Senegal international is on loan at the Italian side from Villarreal, and they have an option to turn his move into a permanent one at the end of the campaign. However, Dia is attracting plenty of interest, particularly from teams in the Premier League.
According to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sport Witness, the Reds “tested the ground” for Dia in the summer - as did West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur. It is said Forest and the Hammers are still keen on the forward, with Leeds United now in the picture, too.
Dia has bagged five goals and registered two assists in 11 Serie A matches for his loan club, and Salernitana president Danilo Iervolino is expected to splash out 12m euros (£10m) to secure his signature next summer.
Lodi decision
Atletico Madrid are said to be keen for Nottingham Forest to exercise their purchase option for defender Renan Lodi.
The left-back was one of 22 signings made by the Reds in the summer as they prepared for life in the Premier League. He penned a season-long loan at the City Ground from the Spanish club, with Forest holding an option to make his move permanent.
The Brazilian is yet to really impress Trentside, however. He has made six appearances for Steve Cooper ’s side so far, although did recently have a spell on the sidelines due to an ankle sprain.
He returned to the starting XI for last Sunday’s 5-0 thumping at Arsenal, with Neco Williams the man to miss out. But Lodi endured a tough afternoon at the Emirates Stadium and was substituted in the second half.
Electric atmosphere
Brentford defender Ben Mee has said that a "bouncing" City Ground will make it a difficult place for his team to play at this weekend, as Forest look to move off the bottom of the table.
Both of Forest’s two wins so far this campaign have come at the City Ground, with Steve Cooper ’s men spurred on by the fans in two memorable victories over West Ham United and Liverpool. Both games saw the Reds put on a rearguard display in the closing minutes to see out narrow one-goal wins.
After a disappointing 5-0 loss away at Arsenal in their last outing, Forest are back in front of their home fans again this weekend. The team welcome Brentford to the City Ground on Saturday afternoon.
Speaking following his side’s 1-1 draw against Wolves in their last outing, experiences Bees defender Mee is under no illusions as to what the atmosphere will be like. He has, however, encouraged his teammates to use the opportunity to turn around their form.
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