Whichever division Nottingham Forest find themselves in next season, it is going to be an important summer window at the City Ground.
Depending on how the final weeks of this campaign pan out, the Reds will either be looking for some key additions to help them push on in the Premier League or facing an overhaul ready for a promotion tilt in the Championship. What happens over the course of their remaining 11 games this term will have a significant impact on a number of those players currently under contract.
Forest have decisions to make over the group who will see their deals come to an end this summer. But they will also need to take into consideration those players whose contracts are due to expire in 2024.
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If the club are not planning to tie them down to fresh terms, the upcoming transfer window could be a chance to cash in on some before they head towards becoming free agents. With that in mind, here’s our verdict on what the Reds should do with those players who will soon have 12 months left on their contracts.
Ethan Horvath
Luton Town have previously hinted they have an option to make the loanee’s move a permanent one. Forest are going to need to address their goalkeeping situation in the summer, given they currently have Dean Henderson and Keylor Navas on loan. But this is one area where which league they are in will most likely affect their plans.
If the worst happens and they do end up back in the second tier, Horvath has proved his credentials at that level with the Hatters. Given the regular game time he has had, he would no doubt want to keep that up. But would he be first-choice at the City Ground in the Championship? The Reds would need to weigh up their options. The American does seem to be enjoying himself at Kenilworth Road, though. Verdict: Sell.
Wayne Hennessey
Similar to Horvath, what is likely to happen in the goalkeeper department is up in the air at the moment. However, even if Forest drop back down, the former Burnley stopper would be a solid option to have in the squad. Verdict: Let deal run down.
Joe Worrall
A big decision will need to be made at some point over the Reds skipper. He has been in and out of the team this season, but has always been a key figure in the dressing room.
If Steve Cooper’s side survive, Worrall will benefit from having a number of top-flight games under his belt, after a campaign which has proved something of a learning curve - not that he is the only one to whom that applies. Alternatively, if Forest must go again with another promotion bid, there’s nobody better to lead them. Verdict: Renew.
Scott McKenna
Like Worrall, after being one of the first names on the team-sheet last term, the Scot hasn’t always played this time around - albeit injuries have been a factor. It hasn’t always been easy for him, but he has still had his moments at this level and will be better for the experience.
Assessing the squad for 2023/24 means making sure there is sufficient strength in depth in all positions, and McKenna would certainly contribute to that. Verdict: Renew.
Loic Mbe Soh
The former PSG man hasn’t really had the opportunity to show what he is about in the Garibaldi. He has been down the pecking order, with chances few and far between.
With a few centre-backs seeing their deals up in 2024, it wouldn’t be a surprise if this summer sees changes in that department. Mbe Soh is currently on loan at Guingamp, having been keen to play, so perhaps that will open up an avenue in the summer. Verdict: Sell.
Steve Cook
Cooper insisted it wasn’t necessarily the end for the 31-year-old when he was left out of the 25-man squad for the second half of the campaign. He remains well thought of by the manager and continues to train with the first-team.
Part of the renowned three-man brick wall, with Worrall and McKenna, on the route to promotion, Cook is still a popular figure. Meanwhile, Forest know only too well how you can suddenly be left short at the back due to injuries.
The Reds will need to make sure next year’s squad has a sufficient amount of leadership and experience in it. Verdict: Let deal run down.
Willy Boly
Another centre-back on this particular list. After a shaky start against Fulham, the summer signing grew in stature when he got another run in the side, before injury stopped him in his tracks.
During that period, he showed he can still cut it at the top level. As with Cook, he is on the other side of 30 (aged 32), but can still have a part to play. It is a department the club will need to look at, though, given they also have Felipe, Moussa Niakhate and Giulian Biancone on the books, as well as youngster Jonathan Panzo, so perhaps some tough calls will need to be made. Verdict: Let deal run down.
Felipe
In a short period of time, he has proved to be a class act since arriving Trentside in January. He certainly looks at home in the Premier League.
Secure survival and the Brazilian could go from strength to strength. In that instance, he would definitely merit being handed a new deal. Indeed, if Forest do finish below the dotted line, that would be a smart bit of business - albeit in that instance, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Felipe attracted a few suitors. Verdict: Renew.
Harry Arter
In theory, this is an easy decision for the club to make. Putting it into practice is much harder, however, as has already proved to be the case.
The midfielder has not been part of the first-team set-up for some time, but the Reds have not been able to move him on. The summer presents another opportunity to try again. Verdict: Sell.
Cheikhou Kouyate
Having arrived as a free agent, the 33-year-old has proved to be an excellent bit of business. He has been missed while sidelined due to injury.
At his age, it is probably not worth offering him a new deal, but it is certainly worth hanging on to him. He can be an important player next term, whatever happens. Verdict: Let deal run down.
Sam Surridge
Plenty of supporters would love to see the striker get more of a chance this season. He has generally looked bright whenever he has got on the pitch.
Other teams have shown an interest in him while he has been down the pecking order this term, with Championship clubs eyeing him up last summer. If Forest stay up, Surridge can continue to be a good option, though. And if they do end up preparing for life back in the second tier, there’s no reason why he could not replicate last term’s heroics. Verdict: Let deal run down for now, but a decision to be made further down the line.
Chris Wood
The obligation to buy clause has already been triggered in the forward’s loan from Newcastle United. He will officially become a Forest player on a permanent basis in the summer, with reports the deal will run until 2024.
Plenty of fans remain unconvinced on the New Zealand international, even though Cooper has stressed how important he will be. The Reds undoubtedly haven’t seen the best of him yet.
Given the circumstances of his contract, it seems unlikely there will be any uncertainty about his immediate future in the summer. Verdict: Let deal run down.
Who should Forest offer new deals to? Have your say in the comments below
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