It has been a quiet start to the transfer window for Nottingham Forest, but July is likely to see a significant shift in gears.
Two weeks into the window, the Reds are yet to make any additions to their squad. There is no cause for concern, though, given it was around this time 12 months ago when Taiwo Awoniyi became the first new arrival through the door last summer - and the club went on to make 22 signings in total before the deadline.
Clubs have until 11pm on September 1 to do business this time around. As a new month approaches, we take a look at the current transfer state of play at the City Ground.
Potential departures
The end of June will mark the official exits of those players released by the club at the end of their contracts. Jack Colback, Jordan Smith, Jesse Lingard, Andre Ayew, Lyle Taylor and Cafu have all been let go by Forest.
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Others will follow as the summer wears on, with numbers needing to be trimmed. Several fringe players face uncertain futures, including the likes of Steve Cook, Jonjo Shelvey and Emmanuel Dennis.
Although it has been fairly quiet with regards potential offers for those who could leave, reports have suggested Dennis’ agent, at least, has started holding exploratory talks with possible suitors. Once players return for pre-season, there is likely to be more movement on that front.
Meanwhile, the Reds have already received - and rebuffed - an offer for Brennan Johnson from Brentford. Forest’s resolve is expected to be tested again before the summer is out, however.
And the club will soon have another key decision to make when it comes to the future of midfielder Lewis O’Brien. His loan at DC United runs until July 16, with the MLS outfit said to be keen for him to stay on.
Richie Laryea is in a similar situation with Toronto, only his loan expires at the end of June. Talks have previously taken place between the two clubs over a permanent move.
Possible incomings
Chris Wood’s loan from Newcastle United becoming a permanent deal represents Forest’s only bit of business so far. An extension to Serge Aurier’s contract has also been triggered.
When it comes to other additions, it is a case of having to be patient, for now. Particularly with regards to Dean Henderson.
Manchester United’s goalkeeping scenario is delaying the prospect of getting a deal done, while the Reds will also want to make sure a reasonable fee is agreed. Our sister title the Manchester Evening News have reported Henderson still expects to make the move Trentside, but there seems to be something of a stalemate at the moment.
On the chances of getting another popular loanee back, in Renan Lodi, that looks more difficult to do. The Brazilian’s agent has said he is eager for European football, which will leave Forest with a hole to fill at left-back.
Whether Omar Richards is able to step in remains to be seen. The hope is the former Bayern Munich man finally gets the opportunity to show what he can do, after such a lengthy lay-off.
Left-back and goalkeeper are two of the key areas to be addressed this summer. Strengthening head coach Steve Cooper ’s attacking resources is also a must, while midfield and central defence may also need looking at.
Decisions to make
The Reds will soon have to weigh up where some players stand - deciding whether or not they can have a part to play in the upcoming season. They have a number of returning loanees, with calls needing to be made over whether another loan is best, whether they can feature in Cooper’s squad or whether a permanent parting of ways works for all parties.
Alex Mighten, in particular, finds himself at a crossroads, after his loan to Sheffield Wednesday didn’t work out last term. Other players such as Ethan Horvath and Jonathan Panzo had more luck elsewhere and are likely to move on this summer.
Youngsters such as Dale Taylor and Riley Harbottle would benefit from another loan spell. Forest are trying to find a League One club for Harbottle, although Mansfield Town have made clear they would like him back.
Reds fans have yet to see players such as Brandon Aguilera, Josh Bowler and Hwang Ui-jo in the Garibaldi. It wouldn’t be too much of a surprise if the latter leaves without making an appearance.
