This summer is a huge one for Nottingham Forest if they are to sustain the success they’ve enjoyed throughout the 2024/25 campaign under Nuno Espírito Santo.
The Reds are still in with a huge opportunity to secure Champions League football, whilst also reaching the FA Cup semi-final for the first time since 1991.
Such achievements would’ve been laughed at during the start of the season, especially after the club only just managed to stay in the Premier League in the two previous campaigns.
However, signings are needed in all areas of the pitch to hand Nuno the depth and quality he needs to balance the side in the league and in European competitions next season.
With the transfer window rapidly approaching, numerous names have already appeared on their radar, with multiple being strongly linked with a summer switch to the City Ground.
The latest on Forest’s hunt for new signings this summer
Wolves star Matheus Cunha was Forest’s main target during the January transfer window, with his name remerging as a possible target for the summer market in recent weeks.
However, a deal for the Brazilian now looks unlikely, with the attacker now looking almost certain to move to Manchester United after they held positive talks with his representatives.
Such a move has seen the Reds’ hierarchy shift their attention to other targets, with Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap the latest player they’re targeting, according to Football Insider.
The report claims that he’s seen as an excellent option in forward areas, potentially a cheaper alternative to other targets given his £30m relegation release clause.
It also confirms that Nuno’s side could offer regular minutes in Europe, which could hand them an advantage in the race to land his signature – but will have to work tirelessly given the interest from elsewhere.
Why Forest’s £30m target would be perfect with Gibbs-White
Over the last week or so, Forest fans have all been on edge after journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Manchester City were positive about completing a deal for Morgan Gibbs-White’s signature this summer.
However, the Reds are said to have placed a £100m price tag on his shoulders, showcasing how highly the club rates the star who cost them £44.5m in the summer of 2022.
Given his tally of 12 combined goals and assists this campaign, it’s no secret that he’s been one of the club’s most important players within attacking areas.
His underlying stats are just as impressive, creating 1.7 chances per 90 this campaign, along with 1.1 successful dribbles per 90 – subsequently able to progress the ball into forward areas.
He’s also completed 80% of the passes he’s attempted, whilst also completing 61% of his long passes – as seen by his extraordinary assist to Callum Hudson-Odoi against Pep Guardiola’s men.
Such figures could fall perfectly into the hands of Delap next campaign should he complete a switch to the East Midlands, potentially building on his excellent debut year in the Premier League.
He’s managed to achieve 1.2 shots on target per 90, whilst also completing 1.4 successful dribbles – able to play off the shoulder of the backline, handing the Reds an added dimension at the top end of the pitch.
Games played
34
Goals scored
12
Shots on target per 90
1.2
Successful dribbles
1.4
Fouls won
1.8
Aerials won
2.1
Duels won
5.5
The 22-year-old has also won 1.8 fouls per game, along with 2.1 aerials won per 90 – handing the club the perfect all-round option in attacking areas to help balance the load between current talisman Chris Wood.
Delap, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by teammate Jens Cajuste, has the ability to progress under Nuno’s guidance, potentially being the club’s main centre forward for many years to come.
His pace and power are a real bonus for the Reds, handing them an option they’ve desperately lacked throughout the majority of the campaign despite their success.
If they are to be in Europe throughout 2025/26, they will need added quality, with Delap certainly providing that – but if they are to secure a deal for his services, they will need to act quickly to avoid losing him to a rival.
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