Nottingham Forest have managed to pull off the surprise signing of free agent Jesse Lingard as they gear up for life back in the Premier League.
The 29-year-old was on the lookout for a new club after being released by Manchester United this summer. West Ham United had been considered frontrunners for his signature, following a successful loan spell, but it was the Reds who sealed a shock move.
Head coach Steve Cooper spoke after his team’s 3-1 friendly win over Hertha Berlin about ensuring any new arrivals fit in with his style and ethos; being good characters as well as good players. Lingard could certainly slot into the manager’s system - and will bolster an area of the pitch where Forest are in need of strengthening ahead of their top flight return.
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The Reds have brought in 11 new faces so far this summer. Before Lingard, the majority had been defensive-minded players.
There is competition at centre-back following the arrival of Moussa Niakhate. On Wednesday night, Cooper perhaps offered a glimpse of how his back line might line up against Newcastle United.
Niakhate took up the middle role in a back three, with Joe Worrall on the right and Scott McKenna on the left. Steve Cook will be fighting for that central spot, and was a key part of the "Red Wall" last term which provided a solid foundation for promotion success. McKenna could also play there, with Niakhate on the left.
Neco Williams was in his preferred position of right wing-back against Hertha, having been on the opposite flank at Barnsley on Saturday. The Wales international looked much more comfortable there. Giulian Biancone has also impressed in that role in pre-season, but is also capable of slotting in as the right-sided central defender.
Harry Toffolo made his debut on the left, having only just put pen to paper from Huddersfield Town. Forest have also added Omar Richards, but the ex-Bayern Munich man will miss the start of the campaign due to a hairline fracture to a leg.
Another option has been added in midfield with the arrival of Lewis O’Brien, who will be available for his debut on Saturday, when Cooper’s men travel to face Union Berlin. Ryan Yates is recovering from a knee injury, leaving Cafu and Jack Colback picking up the most minutes in pre-season so far.
Lingard can play in a few different roles, and could take up the no 10 spot, where the Reds are currently a little light. Brennan Johnson did a good job there in midweek, but is more accustomed to playing as one of the two forwards in Cooper’s 3-4-1-2 system. Morgan Gibbs-White is another player who has been on Forest’s radar for that role, but a number of clubs are battling to sign him and it is uncertain whether he will leave Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Another striker remains on the shopping list. Lyle Taylor partnered Taiwo Awoniyi up front at the Pirelli Stadium but seems likely to head elsewhere this summer. Meanwhile, Sam Surridge continues to work his way back to fitness after groin surgery at the end of last term.
How Forest could line up with Lingard, when at full strength: Henderson; Worrall, Niakhate, McKenna; Williams, Yates, O’Brien, Richards; Lingard; Johnson, Awoniyi.
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