Nottingham Forest’s Summer Transfer Dilemma: Strengthening the Squad Amid Potential Murillo Departure
Nottingham Forest’s lack of significant first-team signings in the January transfer window may have been a source of frustration for supporters, but the club’s approach was not due to a lack of ambition. Evangelos Marinakis and the Forest hierarchy were active in the market, particularly in their pursuit of a new striker. The Reds identified several high-profile targets, including Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, and Brazilian forward Igor Jesus. However, despite their efforts, they were unable to secure a deal for any of them before the window shut, leaving them to finish the season relying on their existing attacking options.
While the club’s inability to bring in attacking reinforcements may have been disappointing, there were some positives from the January window. Most notably, Forest successfully resisted the temptation to sell any of their key players, which could prove crucial in their fight for Premier League survival. Murillo, one of the club’s brightest talents, was rewarded with a new contract, a move that not only protects his market value but also gives Forest the upper hand in any potential summer negotiations. Meanwhile, veteran striker Chris Wood also extended his stay at the City Ground for another two years, providing stability in the forward line despite the club’s failure to add a new attacking option.
The club did make a couple of low-profile moves, including the deadline-day signing of Joel Ndala. The young winger, who arrived from Manchester City, has since made a couple of appearances for the B-team. Forest also signed Tyler Bindon from Reading, but the promising young defender was immediately loaned back to his former club, suggesting that he is seen as a long-term prospect rather than an immediate first-team reinforcement.
Raul Asencio No Longer an Option for Forest
Interestingly, it wasn’t just centre-forwards that Forest were looking at during the January window. Back in December, reports emerged that Forest were tracking Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio. The 22-year-old had attracted interest from multiple Premier League clubs, with Newcastle United also reportedly keen on his signature. However, any hopes of bringing him to the City Ground now appear to be dead in the water.
According to reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid are set to offer Asencio a new long-term contract, rewarding him for his rapid rise in the squad under Carlo Ancelotti. At the start of the season, Asencio was not even in Madrid’s first-team plans, but since November, he has become a key figure in the club’s defensive setup. His performances have been so impressive that he was trusted to start in Madrid’s emphatic Champions League victory over Manchester City, where he played alongside Antonio Rüdiger.
Madrid’s decision to hand Asencio a new deal makes it clear that he is part of their future plans, meaning any potential move to England is now off the table. This is a blow for Forest, who had seemingly identified the Spaniard as a potential summer target. Given the uncertainty surrounding Murillo’s future, the club may now need to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements ahead of the summer transfer window.
Murillo’s Future Remains Uncertain
One of the biggest dilemmas facing Forest in the summer revolves around Murillo. While the Brazilian defender signed a new contract in January, that does not necessarily mean he will stay at the club long-term. Instead, the extension was likely a strategic move by Forest to protect his market value ahead of a possible sale.
Murillo has been one of Forest’s standout performers this season, attracting interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Given the ongoing financial constraints imposed by the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), Forest may be forced to sell one of their star assets to balance the books. If that happens, Murillo could be the player sacrificed, as he would command a significant transfer fee that could help the club avoid financial penalties.
Losing Murillo would be a major blow, as he has been a rock at the heart of Forest’s defense this season. However, if a top European club comes calling with an offer too good to refuse, Forest may find it difficult to keep hold of him. The challenge for the club will be ensuring that any potential departure is properly planned for, with a suitable replacement lined up in advance.
What Next for Forest?
With Asencio no longer an option, Forest will need to identify alternative targets to bolster their defense in the summer. The club will have to decide whether to pursue another young, high-potential defender similar to Murillo or opt for a more experienced option who can provide immediate stability.
Given the club’s struggles in the relegation battle, the upcoming summer window could be crucial in shaping Forest’s future. If Murillo is sold, the reinvestment of those funds will be key. The club’s recruitment team will need to ensure that they strengthen in the right areas and avoid the mistakes of previous transfer windows, where a scattergun approach to signings has sometimes led to a lack of cohesion within the squad.
One potential strategy could be targeting defenders from smaller European leagues who have the potential to develop into top-level players. Forest have previously had success in signing players from South America, and they may look to that market again for Murillo’s replacement. Alternatively, they could target Premier League-proven defenders who can make an immediate impact and help stabilize the backline.
Beyond the defense, Forest will also need to revisit their striker search in the summer. The failure to sign a forward in January means that this position remains a priority, especially if the club wants to take the next step forward and avoid another season of relegation struggles.
Final Thoughts
While Nottingham Forest managed to keep hold of their key players in January, the real challenge will come in the summer when clubs are likely to come knocking for Murillo. His new contract means that Forest will be in a strong negotiating position, but financial realities may force their hand if a massive bid arrives.
With Raul Asencio now out of the equation, Forest will have to go back to the drawing board when it comes to finding defensive reinforcements. The club’s ability to recruit wisely in the summer will be key to their long-term stability, and they cannot afford to get it wrong.
The summer transfer window will be one of the most important in Forest’s recent history. Whether they can navigate it successfully remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—big decisions are looming at the City Ground.