With less than a fortnight of the transfer window to go, it looks like being a busier second half of the month for Nottingham Forest.
So far, the Reds have added Gustavo Scarpa and Danilo to their squad, with Loic Bade the only player heading in the opposite direction as his loan was cut short. As a mounting injury list continues to impact the club’s transfer plans, further additions are on the cards before the deadline, while the number of absentees means there is currently a reluctance to let players go.
Head coach Steve Cooper wants to finish the window with sufficient strength in depth in all areas to boost his team’s survival push. And with that in mind, we take a look at how the squad looks.
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Goalkeeper
The injury to Dean Henderson comes as a big blow, particularly given the form he had been in. It’s no real surprise to see Forest considering bringing in another goalkeeper as a result.
There is some discrepancy about how long Manchester United loanee Henderson is likely to be sidelined for, but at the moment, it leaves the Reds with Wayne Hennessey and Jordan Smith as the senior shot-stoppers. Another injury or a suspension would leave Cooper with a real problem, hence the possibility of dipping into the market.
Smith will be out of contract in the summer, while Henderson’s loan deal also ends then. Hennessey penned a two-year contract, and Ethan Horvath - on loan Luton Town - also has a deal which runs until 2024. Young goalkeeper Adnan Kanuric was signed in September as one for the future, and is yet to get any first-team experience.
Goalkeepers on the books, with contract expiration date in brackets: Dean Henderson (loan expires 2023), Jordan Smith (2023), Ethan Horvath (2024, currently on loan at Luton Town), Wayne Hennessey (2024).
Full-back
Serge Aurier and Renan Lodi have cemented their places as first-choice right and left-back respectively. Forest will have to assess the future of both at some point, given the former penned a one-year contract and Lodi is on loan, albeit with an option to make the move permanently.
Neco Williams is capable of playing on either side, while Harry Toffolo also currently provides back-up on the left. When Omar Richards recovers from a hairline fracture of the leg which has so far prevented him from making his debut, he will be a third option on that flank. Meanwhile, still on the books are Richie Laryea, who is on a year-long loan at Toronto, and Mohamed Drager, who is on loan at FC Luzern with an option to move permanently.
Full-backs: Mohamed Drager (unconfirmed, currently on loan at FC Luzern with an option for permanent move), Richie Laryea (2025, currently on loan at Toronto), Omar Richards (2026), Neco Williams (2026), Harry Toffolo (unconfirmed), Renan Lodi (loan expires 2023, option for a permanent move), Serge Aurier (2023).
Centre-back
This is another area the Reds want to strengthen in - even before Willy Boly joined Moussa Niakhate on the injury list. While those two are out of action, Cooper has Joe Worrall, Scott McKenna, Steve Cook and Loic Mbe Soh available, although the latter could well move elsewhere at some point this month, having come close to joining Fenerbahce in the summer.
When fit, the versatile Giulian Biancone can play as a central defender or at right-back. And Forest also have Jonathan Panzo, who is spending the season with Coventry City.
Centre-backs: Joe Worrall (2024), Loic Mbe Soh (2024), Scott McKenna (2024), Steve Cook (2024), Jonathan Panzo (2025, currently on loan at Coventry City), Giulian Biancone (2025), Moussa Niakhate (2026, with the option for a further year beyond that), Willy Boly (2024).
Midfield
The arrival of Danilo bolsters the ranks in the centre of the pitch. With Cheikhou Kouyate among those in the treatment room and doubt about Ryan Yates’ fitness ahead of Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth, the addition of the Brazilian gives Cooper much-needed improved strength in depth in this department.
In addition to the above trio, he has Jack Colback, Lewis O’Brien, Orel Mangala and Remo Freuler to call upon. Gustavo Scarpa can also operate in a deeper role.
Cafu and Harry Arter were not included in the 25-man Premier League squad for the first half of the season, with the latter having not been part of the first-team set-up for some time. If an opportunity arises, Forest would no doubt look to move the duo on this month. Braian Ojeda is also still a Reds player, although loan club Real Salt Lake have an option to buy.
Midfielders: Jack Colback (2023), Cafu (2023), Ryan Yates (2025), Harry Arter (2024), Braian Ojeda (2025, currently on loan at Real Salt Lake with an option for a permanent move), Lewis O’Brien (unconfirmed), Orel Mangala (2026), Cheikhou Kouyate (2024), Remo Freuler (unconfirmed), Danilo (2029).
Attacking midfielders
There is a bit of flexibility about the Reds’ attack, in terms of who operates where and how. Bringing in Scarpa adds to that, with the free agent able to take up the No.10 role which Morgan Gibbs-White and Jesse Lingard, when he is back from injury, can operate in. Likewise, Brennan Johnson can take on different roles, depending on what system Cooper goes with.
Having versatile players with different attacking strengths is no bad thing. Having seen his loan at Sheffield Wednesday cut short, Alex Mighten will hope to get some game time in the second half of the season, while Forest have winger Josh Bowler to come back into the ranks in the summer once his loan at Blackpool is up. Youngster Brandon Aguilera remains one for the future.
Attacking midfielders: Alex Mighten (2025), Brennan Johnson (2026), Brandon Aguilera (2026, had a six-month loan at Guanacasteca), Jesse Lingard (2023), Morgan Gibbs-White (2027), Josh Bowler (unconfirmed, currently on loan at Blackpool), Gustavo Scarpa (2026).
Strikers
It’s no surprise to see Forest aiming to strengthen here, particularly with Taiwo Awoniyi out of action. Without the former Union Berlin forward, it leaves Emmanuel Dennis, who can also play wide, and Sam Surridge as the out-and-out forward options. It is an area lacking strength in depth.
Lyle Taylor was not part of the 25-man squad, and summer signing Hwang Ui-jo is on loan at Olympiacos but has been linked with a move elsewhere this month.
Strikers: Lyle Taylor (2023), Sam Surridge (2024), Taiwo Awoniyi (2027), Emmanuel Dennis (unconfirmed), Hwang Ui-jo (2025).
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