A transfer window packed with comings and goings could have a busy finish for Nottingham Forest.
Head coach Steve Cooper admits “anything can happen” as the Reds approach Thursday’s 11pm deadline. Further signings are likely at the City Ground, and there could be some departures in the next few days, too.
Cooper is keen to end the summer with a squad strong enough to be competitive in the Premier League, with sufficient cover in every area of the pitch. Left-back Renan Lodi became the latest to put pen to paper, when he joined on loan from Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
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The Brazil international took Forest’s total number of new arrivals up to 18 - albeit two of those, in Brandon Aguilera and Hwang Ui-jo, immediately headed out on loan. Further bolstering the club’s defensive ranks, at centre-back and at right wing-back, remains a possibility.
Asked if the Reds could be working right up until the deadline, Cooper said: “We could be, yeah. We could bring some more players in, we could see more players going out, and we might not bring any players in. Anything can happen, if I’m being really honest.
“Although we are constantly having good communication with the board and the ownership, this week, with three games, it is taking up enough of our time. With it being the day before the game (at Manchester City) that is what I am focusing on. If there is something that has happened that we would like to do, I am sure the guys would let me know.”
This summer was always going to be one of ins and outs Trentside, with significant rebuilding work required. In addition to the 18 who have linked up with Forest, 28 players have headed elsewhere since the end of last term, including several who were key to securing promotion to the top-flight.
Five loanees returned to their parent sides and four players left at the end of their contracts. The last few months have seen others depart either on loan or on a permanent basis, with that figure including both Aguilera and Ui-jo, as well as a number of youngsters.
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