Nottingham Forest are in talks to sign goalkeeper Dean Henderson this summer as they look to secure the services of a vital player from last season on a permanent deal.
The shot-stopper impressed during his loan spell at the City Ground last season having made important saves for the Reds earlier in the campaign before picking up a season-ending injury in January. One-nil wins over West Ham and Liverpool are just a few notable examples of games in 2022/23 which would have been a different story without Henderson between the sticks.
Keylor Navas also often performed heroics in goal when he arrived on loan from Paris-Saint Germain after Henderson's injury. The Costa Rican's contribution to securing Forest's Premier League status for another season should not be forgotten, but signing the three-time Champions League winner on a permanent deal was always going to be less realistic.
And the goalkeeping position is where the Reds are currently at their weakest with Wayne Hennessey the club's only senior keeper. Having an established No 1 has been essential for the Reds under Steve Cooper going back to Brice Samba's performance in the Championship play-off semi-final second-leg against Sheffield United in 2022.
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But it's not just Henderson's performances on the pitch which would make him such an important signing for Forest. Having joined last summer, there would be no need for a settling-in period for the 26-year-old who knows the club, manager and players well.
Henderson has also demonstrated commitment and desire for the club during his time there which a lot of loan signings may not have done. He often stayed in the city during his knee-injury rehabilitation for example.
And the perfect example of his commitment to Forest was demonstrated at the end of last season. With the Reds closing in on securing their top-flight status for another campaign as they led Arsenal 1-0, footage showed Henderson shaking and cutting a nervous figure.
His impact in the dressing room also appears to have been positive, with Cooper previously speaking about how he enjoyed working with him. “We’ve all enjoyed working with Dean, the personality that he is,” he said shortly after his injury.
“He’s a good professional; really cares. He has a fantastic mentality towards winning and we’re grateful for what he has given us.”
it should be said that Forest are also important for Henderson with his time at Man United all but over, the Reds can offer him the chance of regular first-team football. A report today suggests United boss Erik ten Hag is 'p****d off' with Henderson and will never pick him. Playing every week will be essential if he wants to force his way into Gareth Southgate's England squad for next year's European Championships.
If Henderson can maintain the form he showed in his first few months at the City Ground, his signing would be a huge boost for the club. It cannot be overstated how important a signing it would be.
