Nottingham Forest’s season has been nothing short of remarkable.
After finishing 17th in the previous campaign, receiving a points deduction and marginally avoiding relegation, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have defied all expectations this term.
Renowned for their ability to defend deep and resolutely before countering with explosive pace, Forest have guaranteed themselves a place in a European competition next year.
Which competition that is remains to be seen.
To play Champions League football, the Reds would need to beat Chelsea on Sunday, whilst also requiring one of Aston Villa or Newcastle United to drop points.
Whatever the outcome, it will go down in history as a landmark Nottingham Forest season and the club’s hierarchy will inevitably have planning underway to bolster the squad for next season.
Here are five players Forest should be looking to add to their ranks this summer.
Jonathan David – LOSC Lille
Whilst Chris Wood has had arguably the best season of his entire career, he turns 34 in December and Forest cannot rely as heavily reliant on the veteran striker next year.
European involvement will congest their fixture list even more, so attacking reinforcements will be a necessity.
Jonathan David has been Lille’s talisman since he joined the club in August 2020. During his time in Northern France, David has scored a remarkable 109 goals in 231 appearances, also notching 30 assists.
He sits fourth in this season’s Ligue 1 scoring charts with 16.
This month, David announced that he will leave the club upon the expiry of his current contract.
David’s strong interplay, pace and clinical finishing make him an ideal candidate to take on the number nine role at the City Ground. But Forest would not be alone in any pursuit of the striker.
Last year, Tottenham, Man Utd and Chelsea showed interest in David.
Now, Gazzetta in Italy report that both Inter Milan and Napoli are chasing his signature.
At just 25 years of age, David would be a significant coup for any team on a free transfer.
Jorrel Hato – Ajax
Jorrel Hato’s Ajax performances in the last two seasons have put him firmly in the minds of powerful European clubs, with Liverpool the latest to show an interest.
But Forest should have their eyes firmly on the versatile defender, also.
Despite Neco Williams having his best season in a red shirt at left-back, Nuno will be eager to increase the competition for places next season.
Hato is quick, powerful and comfortable playing either as a left-sided centre back or full-back.
This campaign, Hato has contributed two goals and six assists in the Eredivisie, making him a strong asset at both ends of the pitch.
It is no wonder that the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea are rumoured to also be eyeing the promising defender. Last season, Arsenal expressed an interest in Hato.
Rayan Cherki – Lyon
Returning to France, 21-year-old Rayan Cherki is another Ligue 1 star that Nottingham Forest should have their eye on.
Born in Lyon, the attacker has managed 12 goals and 20 assists in a campaign that has put a number of clubs on red alert, Tottenham being the latest to show interest in Cherki.
Known for his creativity and flair, Cherki can play off either wing as well as in the no.10 role.
Should Morgan Gibbs-White’s rumoured move to Man City materialise, Cherki could be a fantastic replacement for Forest.
Saba Goglichidze – Empoli
The Italian transfer market is one that Nottingham Forest have explored in huge depth.
However, Serie A has provided the Reds with one of their standout performers of this current season.
Nikola Milenkovic has played every Premier League minute since his debut and boasts the best duel success rate of anyone to attempt 100+ duels in the league this season.
Georgian defender Saba Goglichidze has made a name for himself in Serie A this season for similar aggression, pace and aerial presence.
With 32 league appearances under his belt this campaign, Goglichidze is attracting interest from AC Milan, Juventus and Roma.
Could Forest tempt the 20-year-old to the Premier League? Milenkovic provides a fantastic example to learn from and the Georgian may be required should Murillo be poached by a European giant.
Liam Delap – Ipswich Town
The least surprising of any suggestion so far, links between Liam Delap and Forest have been ongoing since Ipswich Town’s relegation became apparent.
The striker, who began his footballing career with Derby County’s academy, has established himself as a Premier League quality player this season.
Delap has become known for his powerful, surging runs with the ball and his ability to shrug off challenges with relative ease.
These abilities would make him a perfect addition to Forest’s side. Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi would relish having the pace and strength of Delap joining their explosive counter-attacks.
The former Manchester City man has tallied 12 Premier League goals so far for Ipswich, and has been a shining light in a poor season for the Tractor Boys.
Delap has a £30m relegation clause in his contract, now active after Ipswich’s failure to avoid the drop.
Manchester United are reportedly front-runners for Delap, but Evangelos Marinakis and co. should certainly be in the race.
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