Nottingham Forest

EIGHT Players which might be drop from the squad for the transfer window

Published

9 months ago

January 6, 2024

Nottingham Forest have started the January window as they mean to go on by overseeing some departures.

Trimming numbers was always going to be a priority for the Reds this month, even before recently-appointed head coach Nuno Espirito Santo made clear his wish to work with a smaller squad. Gustavo Scarpa has already been moved on, joining Atletico Mineiro after his Olympiacos loan was cancelled, while Andrey Santos has returned to parent club Chelsea

Further exits will follow, with Nuno having referred to “hard decisions” needing to be made. He wanted to assess the group first, giving players a chance to impress after insisting everyone started with a clean slate.

Having six players absent for the Africa Cup of Nations will impact Forest’s transfer business. The club will want to make sure they are not left short of options.

They will also be aware a number of players are due to see their contracts expire at the end of the season. If fresh terms are not put forward, this month represents a final chance to cash-in rather than seeing those concerned walk away for nothing in the summer.

Some big calls will need to be made before the 11pm deadline on Thursday, February 1. Below, we take a look at some of those players with uncertain futures at the City Ground.

Scott McKenna

The promotion-winning centre-back is likely to move on this month amid a reported contract dispute. His deal ends in the summer and he has not featured since September 18. He has been linked with a return to Scotland, with Celtic and Rangers said to be keen.

Joe Worrall

Unlike McKenna, fellow defender Worrall finds himself back in the fold under Nuno. He came off the bench in the 3-1 win at Newcastle United and was an unused substitute against Manchester United last weekend. However, there is still uncertainty about his future – and he does have some admirers.

Nuno Tavares

The Arsenal loanee had been struggling for game time before Nuno’s arrival and he is yet to get on the pitch under the new head coach. Turkish side Galatasaray are said to be eyeing him up. And with the Gunners seemingly looking to sell some players, reports suggest they might consider terminating the left-back’s Forest loan if a suitable offer comes in.

Ethan Horvath

It remains to be seen whether the Reds look to bring another goalkeeper in this month, but regardless of what happens Horvath is expected to move on. He was not included in the 25-man squad for the first half of the season and is coming towards the end of his contract. Forest were prepared to let him go last summer, when it looked as though he would join Luton Town permanently after a successful loan stint.

Brandon Aguilera

The youngster is highly rated, but it might be that a loan is seen as the best option for his development. Former head coach Steve Cooper wanted to keep an eye on the Costa Rican for the first half of the campaign before reassessing his situation in the winter window. He is yet to get a look-in under Nuno, so game time elsewhere may well help him progress.

George Shelvey

The young goalkeeper spoke in the summer about being keen to go on loan. It didn’t happen back then, but this month presents another opportunity to find a move. Shelvey has a few months left on his contract but the club hold an option to extend it by a further 12 months.

Andrew Omobamidele

The summer signing was seen as one for the future when he joined from Norwich City on deadline day. He is yet to make his debut in the Garibaldi, and with the Reds looking to strengthen their defensive ranks, earning an opportunity is unlikely to get any easier. A loan might be seen as being best for him.

Richie Laryea

The defender’s loan with Vancouver Whitecaps officially expired at the end of December. The Whitecaps had previously indicated there was no deal in place with Forest to make the move permanent, but sporting director Axel Schuster had hinted “negotiations” would take place at the end of the Canadian’s loan. However, Laryea’s salary has previously been highlighted as being a potential stumbling block for the MLS outfit.