As the return of competitive action nears for Nottingham Forest, thoughts are also turning to the January transfer window.
The Reds made 22 signings in the summer as they prepared for life in the Premier League. The winter window will not be anything like as busy, but that doesn’t mean next month will be any less significant in the context of the season - far from it.
With Steve Cooper’s side fighting to retain their top-flight status, deals done could make a big difference. We take a look at the current state of play.
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Incomings
Forest have already made one addition. Confirmation of the worst-kept transfer secret came earlier this month with the announcement Gustavo Scarpa had put pen to paper.
The Brazilian has agreed a three-and-a-half-year contract which will officially start on January 1, when his deal with Palmeiras expires. He has got minutes in the Reds’ last two friendlies, against Atromitos and Olympiacos, but will have to wait a little while for his official debut.
And Cooper is likely to take things gently with him. The Welshman rarely throws players who are new to English football straight in at the deep end. Scarpa will be given time to adapt, and he also has to earn his place in the team.
“First and foremost, you can see he’s a really good guy, which is important for me. And he works hard in training,” the head coach said.
“You get that right, then you start seeing the real player. And then you have to get to work, in terms of seeing where we might see him.
“The challenge for everyone is to get into the team. Players who might have played a lot before the break, I don’t want them to take their place for granted. And players who maybe think they should have played a bit more, I want them to be using this break as an opportunity to showcase the contributions they can make.
“He (Scarpa) joins that process. We treat everybody equally and try to make the best decisions going forward.
“He’s joined the group and we’ve enjoyed having him in this first week. He speaks very good English, which helps. You join the group and get your hands dirty.”
The player himself has described it as a “dream” to get his chance in the Premier League. Asked what fans can expect from him, he told the BBC during last week’s training camp in Greece: “I'm very hard-working and I will try to score some goals and get some assists.”
When it comes to further reinforcements, Cooper has so far given little away. But he is very aware that anything the club do must be for “the right reasons”, having acknowledged the challenges which came with such a vast summer overhaul.
Strengthening attacking options is sure to be looked at. Likewise, a central defender will likely be on the list, given the injuries Forest have had in that department - Moussa Niakhate is making progress in his recovery, but the club will continue to be careful with him, mindful of the setbacks he has already contended with.
It remains to be seen whether the Reds reignite interest in midfielder Yunus Musah. A summer bid is said to have been turned down, but reports have suggested Valencia are willing to consider offers in January.
He is a player Cooper likes and knows well, having worked with him in the England youth set-up. However, given Musah impressed at the World Cup, he is likely to have made a few potential suitors sit up and take note.
Potential outgoings
Given the Reds are already at their 25-man squad limit, any signings would require others dropping out. Scarpa is likely to take the place of Giulian Biancone, who has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign.
There has continued to be speculation about Loic Bade, with talk the defender could be on the move next month. He is on a season-long loan from Rennes - with the Reds holding an option to buy - but is yet to make a single appearance and has now been linked with Sevilla, as well as Salernitana.
It also seems likely Loic Mbe Soh will move on. He came close to joining Fenerbahce in the summer and has struggled to force his way into Cooper’s thinking since then. The Turkish outfit have been tipped to try for him again, while French side Guingamp and Olympiacos have been mooted as possible destinations.
Meanwhile, Cafu and Lyle Taylor were left out of the 25-man squad when the summer window closed. It would be a surprise if their situation has changed come January, which could result in the duo heading elsewhere if moves can be found.
The same will apply to Harry Arter. He has not been part of the first-team set-up for some time, but finding a possible transfer is easier said than done when he has not been in the shop window.
Contract decisions
Forest have several players whose deals will come to an end at the end of the campaign. January would be the club’s final opportunity to cash in, if they are considering selling.
Cafu and Taylor are both in that category. Jordan Smith, Jack Colback and Jesse Lingard will also see their contracts expire in 2023, while Serge Aurier’s deal is believed to run until then, too.
For those who Forest are not considering letting go in the winter window, a decision will need to be made at some point over whether to offer fresh terms. If not, those players would be able to walk away for nothing in the summer.
What business should Forest do in January? Have your say in the comments below
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