Nottingham Forest have made a start on shaping their squad for the upcoming Premier League season with the publication of their retained list.
Three senior players have been released, in Tobias Figueiredo, Gaetan Bong and Carl Jenkinson, while the club are in talks with Lewis Grabban about a new deal. Loanees Max Lowe (Sheffield United), Djed Spence (Middlesbrough), James Garner (Manchester United), Philip Zinckernagel (Watford) and Keinan Davis (Aston Villa) have all returned to their parent clubs.
The Reds have until 11pm on Thursday, September 1 to get their transfer business done. And the announcement of which players have been let go leaves a clearer indication of the work which needs to be done.
Read more: Forest make transfer decisions as retained list is announced
Read more: Why Lewis Grabban decision makes sense amid key transfer window
Goalkeepers
Under contract: Brice Samba (until 2023), Ethan Horvath (2024), Jordan Smith (2023).
What needs to be done: That depends on how Samba’s contract situation pans out. The Reds could do with clarity one way or another as soon as possible, so they know whether a replacement is needed.
The 28-year-old is said to have deemed the offer of fresh terms “unacceptable” and indicated he is prepared to leave this summer. If a resolution cannot be found, the Reds could face having to cash in, rather than see him walk away as a free agent next year.
Centre-backs
Under contract: Joe Worrall (2024), Scott McKenna (2024), Steve Cook (2024), Loic Mbe Soh (2024), Jonathan Panzo (2025).
What needs to be done: With Figueiredo departing, bringing in another central defender makes sense. Mbe Soh and Panzo would perhaps benefit from loan moves if their opportunities for game time are going to be limited on Trentside.
Full-backs
Under contract: Nicholas Ioannou (2024), Mohamed Drager (unconfirmed), Richie Laryea (2025).
What needs to be done: An area of the pitch which certainly needs addressing. Loanees Lowe and Spence were firm fixtures in the starting XI. If a return for either or both doesn’t work out, alternatives will be required.
It would be no surprise to see Ioannou and/or Drager head elsewhere. And while Laryea has shown flashes of what he is capable of, boss Steve Cooper has often spoken about how he is adapting to English football.
Midfield
Under contract: Jack Colback (2023), Cafu (2023), Ryan Yates (2025), Harry Arter (2023), Braian Ojeda (2025).
What needs to be done: Forest must wait to see what Manchester United’s plans are for Garner. They do need to bolster their options in the centre of the pitch, though.
Arter will be allowed to move on, while it may be that Cafu would prefer more regular game time. And with Ojeda having struggled to get a look-in since his move, a loan could do him good.
Colback can also provide cover at left-back, as he did brilliantly while Lowe was sidelined. But it would be good to see him back in his more natural position.
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Wingers/attacking midfielders
Under contract: Alex Mighten (2025), Joe Lolley (2023), Brennan Johnson (2023), Xande Silva (2023).
What needs to be done: The top end of the pitch requires a fair bit of work. The Reds need someone for the Zinckernagel role (if the Dane does not return) and reinforcements out wide.
Cooper rates Mighten highly, but a call must be made on whether he would be better off with a loan spell. Decisions perhaps need to be made on what part Lolley and Silva can play, too, given they struggled to pin down starting spots. And getting Johnson tied to a new deal is a must.
Strikers
Under contract: Lyle Taylor (2023), Nuno Da Costa (unconfirmed), Sam Surridge (2024).
What needs to be done: Regardless of whether Grabban puts pen to paper, at least one other front man is required. If Forest could get Davis on a permanent deal, that would be a boost.
This is one area where they need good options, though. Goalscorers are going to be even more valuable in the top-flight.
Taylor may wish to seek regular football elsewhere, having spent the second half of the season on loan at Birmingham City. And Da Costa may also depart, if a move can be set up.
Youngsters
The Reds also have a number of young players such as Tyrese Fornah and Fin Back, who have had a taste of first-team action previously. It remains to be seen whether they will get a chance this coming season or whether a loan deal is possible.
