A busy summer transfer window ended with Nottingham Forest making a total of 22 signings.
Three of the new faces immediately went out on loan, but integrating the rest is proving a challenge for head coach Steve Cooper. He has the unenviable task of trying to settle upon his strongest line-up while faced with the brutal reality of the Premier League.
But while Forest’s transfer business was conducted with the aim of putting together a squad capable of holding its own in the Premier League, there was also a long-term view in mind. The dressing room overhaul of a "unique" transfer window, as Cooper called it, should not need to be repeated.
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The Reds needed a team with the right mix of youth and experience, and a number of players who have come in still have plenty of years ahead of them. Moreover, having felt the impact of relying on too many loanees in the past, the club now have a core group tied to permanent contracts.
There are a number of players whose terms will run out next summer, however. At some point this season, decisions will need to be made on their futures. With Cafu and Lyle Taylor left out of the club's 25-man Premier League squad, it points to exits being on the horizon for the duo.
The length of a deal hasn’t always been disclosed. But here’s a look at when contracts are due to expire for every member of the squad.
2023
Dean Henderson (on a season-long loan from Manchester United), Jordan Smith, Renan Lodi (on a season-long loan from Atletico Madrid, with the option to make the move permanent), Loic Bade (on a season-long loan from Rennes, with the option to make the move permanent), Jack Colback, Cafu, Jesse Lingard, Lyle Taylor.
2024
Ethan Horvath (on loan at Luton Town), Wayne Hennessey, Joe Worrall, Loic Mbe Soh, Scott McKenna, Steve Cook, Willy Boly, Harry Arter, Cheikhou Kouyate, Sam Surridge.
2025
Richie Laryea (on loan at Toronto), Jonathan Panzo (on loan at Coventry City), Giulian Biancone, Moussa Niakhate (with a one-year extension option), Alex Mighten, Ryan Yates, Braian Ojeda (on loan at Real Salt Lake, with the option to make the move permanent).
2026
Omar Richards, Neco Williams, Brennan Johnson, Brandon Aguilera (on loan at Guanacasteca).
2027
Morgan Gibbs-White, Taiwo Awoniyi.
Unconfirmed
Mohamed Drager (on loan at FC Luzern, with an option to make the move permanent), Harry Toffolo, Lewis O’Brien, Orel Mangala, Remo Freuler, Josh Bowler (on loan at Olympiacos), Emmanuel Dennis, Hwang Ui-jo (on loan at Olympiacos), Serge Aurier.
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