The Premier League the table clearly shows Nottingham Forest unexpected success in the 2024/25 campaign and their impressive performances have earned them their current position as they aim to secure a place in Europe for next season.
The Reds have won more than half of their league games so far, making them one of the in-form sides and one of the outside contenders in the Premier League title race.
As in the Premier League, Forest are also in the fourth round of the FA Cup, and Nuno Espirito Santo he will be hoping his side can go far in the competition as they look to end their wait for a major trophy, which last came in 1990.
Forest have had a bit of luck on their side this season as they are yet to pick up any major injuries or suspensions, but Espirito Santo will know that they could bite eventually and will hope that this does not affect his side’s performances.
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With the second half of the campaign underway, the Portuguese boss could be eyeing a few arrivals before the transfer window closes, as he will not want his side to fall apart after an excellent season so far.
It’s unclear how much cash the club has in the bank, but with a top-four finish in their sights, adding a player or two before the deadline could help them get over the line.
Here we take a look at the five players Forest should sign in this January transfer window to ensure success this term.
1
Evan Ferguson
Brighton
Evan Ferguson looks very likely to leave Brighton & Hove Albion before the transfer window closes on February 3, even if it’s just a loan.
Several Premier League teams are interested in signing the Republic of Ireland strikerbut the Seagulls have yet to give the go-ahead to a deal.
The Reds currently have Emmanuel Dennis, Taiwo Awoniyi and Chris Wood as their centre-forward options. Wood is clearly their leading man with 14 goals in the Premier League this season and his place in the team will not be under threat until the end of the campaign.
However, Awoniyi is attracting transfer interest himselfand Forest may be open for a couple leaving in this window. So a replacement will be needed and Ferguson could be the perfect player to come to the City Ground and cheer on Wood.
The 20-year-old has 13 Premier League goals in more than 50 games, and will be eager to prove himself having only been given limited opportunities under Fabian Hurzeler.
This would be a low-risk signing for Forest, as Ferguson, who has been called “superstar” of Danny Murphy, would join on loan, so the Reds wouldn’t be tied down to the player or spend a huge amount on his services.
2
Yoane Wiss
Brentford
Signing a new striker could be on Forest’s agenda this transfer window, as Chris Wood, Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi have been heavily relied upon this season, leading to Espirito Santo adding more depth and quality to that part of the squad.
One player the Reds could bring in is Yoane Wiss from Brentford, ace Forest could “explore” a move for Wissa if Awoniyi leaves urban soil. The 28-year-old has been in terrific form for the Bees this season, scoring 11 goals in 19 Premier League games, and that has now put him on Forest’s radar.
Wissa can play anywhere in the front line, meaning his arrival would not only help Wood up top, but also players like Elanga and Hudson-Odoi.
Wissa is a firm favorite at Brentford and is under contract until 2026, so it could be difficult for Forest and Nuno to lure him away from the side who are also fighting for a place in Europe, with the Bees even rejected their initial approach.
3
Douglas Luiz
Juventus
Nottingham Forest already have some good options in the middle of the park, but just like in other positions, they could freshen things up and Juventus’ Douglas Luiz has already emerged as a player they are interested in.
It was claimed that Forest made contact with the Brazilian from Juventus in this transfer window, and the most likely outcome is a loan. Luiz has struggled in Turin since his move from Aston Villa, and given how well he has fared in the Premier League, he could be a great addition for the Reds.
Midfielder for £135k a week he was a key player for Villa during his time at the club, scoring 22 goals and providing 24 assists in over 200 games. His eye for goal, despite being a more defensively minded player, makes him someone Espirito Santo would love in his midfield.
Ryan Yates and Elliot Anderson have done well in that midfield alongside Nicolas Dominguez, but Luiz’s potential arrival might just add a bit more steel and quality to ensure they finish in the top four.
Danilo has only just returned from a serious injury he picked up on the opening weekend, and Ibrahim Sangare is injured, so the options in that part of the team are pretty short at the moment. As Luiz did at Villa Park, he could become a real favorite at the City Ground, especially if he helps the Reds reach the Champions League.
4
Stefanos Tzimas
Nuremberg (on loan from PAOK)
Stefanos Tzimas is a player who really impressed during his loan spell at FC Nurnberg and has now appeared on the radar of several Premier League teams. The 19-year-old has scored nine goals in 15 games in Germany’s second division and while he has been so good, his club have made it clear they will activate their loan clause before selling the player for £25m in the summer.
However, Forest need a new striker, and there will be more if Dennis or Awoniyi leave this month. Therefore, the Reds should try to overtake the others and make a move for the young striker now instead of waiting until the summer like the others.
Tzimas is still young and will need time to adapt to the Premier League, but instead of getting a more experienced, older backup to Wood, they could look for a younger striker who can learn from the New Zealand international and be ready to replace him in the long term.
5
Ryan Cherki
Lyon
Espirito Santo may have his eye on adding more attacking quality to his Nottingham Forest squad this month, as he will want to make sure his side can keep up with the race to the top of the league, while still having options if the club suffer any injury or suspension problems .
One player who could be a good buy for the Reds is Ryan Cherkiwho looks set to leave Lyon in this transfer window. The Frenchman has a verbal agreement with the Ligue 1 side to leave in this transfer window for €22.5m (£19m).
Cherki’s availability should alert Forest, as he is a player who can once again improve their wide options, but is also someone who can provide competition for Morgan Gibbs-White, as the Englishman is Forest’s only true No.10 in their squad.
Cherki has been a very good player for Lyon, chipping in with goals and assists, and given that he is only 21, he would certainly be a valuable investment for the Reds as someone who immediately improves their squad.
The forward could also be a player who could get a lot better in a year or two. Cherki is described as “excessive” player, and his price tag means that, for someone of his quality, he is available cheaply and could be the difference-maker in terms of where the Reds finish this season.
