Nottingham Forest’s dream of securing European football next season suffered a significant setback this weekend, as they were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Everton at the City Ground. The match, which could have been a turning point in their push for a spot in one of the European competitions, instead ended in frustration. Abdoulaye Doucoure’s stoppage-time strike, following a defensive mistake from Murillo, sealed the victory for the Toffees, leaving Forest to rue a missed opportunity. Despite having plenty of possession, Forest struggled to break down an Everton team that was resolute defensively and, in many ways, did to Forest what Forest themselves have often done to other teams this season—tighten up, absorb pressure, and capitalize on mistakes.
For Forest, this loss couldn’t have come at a worse time. With the race for European spots still tight, the defeat was a significant blow to their aspirations for next season. Nuno Espirito Santo and his team are fully aware of the importance of the remaining six games—three at home and three away—and will need to regroup quickly if they’re to push for a spot in the Champions League, Europa League, or Europa Conference League. As the league nears its conclusion, the margin for error is minuscule. Every match feels like a final, especially with teams around them also fighting for similar spots in European competition.
Despite the setback, all is not lost for Forest. They are still in the hunt for European football, and the upcoming fixtures offer them an opportunity to salvage their season. The home matches at the City Ground could prove crucial, as Forest will need to make the most of the support from their passionate fans to get back on track. However, the away games will be just as important, especially as the team has struggled in some of their away fixtures this season. Forest will need to improve their attacking play, reduce defensive errors, and show resilience in these final matches if they are to finish in one of the European spots. The next few weeks will be a true test of the team’s character and their ability to bounce back from adversity.
Off the pitch, the summer transfer window looms large, and Forest will need to be proactive in strengthening their squad for next season. If they are to make a genuine push for European football again, they must add quality players who can elevate the team’s performance. One key area of focus is likely to be the wide positions. While Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga have been standout performers this season, Jota Silva has taken longer to adapt to life in the Premier League, and Ramon Sosa has not been fully trusted by Nuno Espirito Santo. This leaves Forest with a need to bolster their wide attacking options, and Luis Henrique, the Brazilian winger currently playing for Marseille in Ligue 1, has emerged as a primary target.
Henrique, 23, has been making waves since joining Marseille from Botafogo in December 2023. His pace, technical ability, and versatility on the flanks have made him one of the most exciting young wingers in Europe. He can operate on either wing, and his ability to beat defenders and deliver dangerous crosses would add an extra dimension to Forest’s attack. His impressive form in Ligue 1 has led to interest from several top clubs, including Newcastle United, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan. Forest will have to contend with these giants if they are to land Henrique, and the competition could be fierce.
The most immediate challenge for Forest, however, is Inter Milan’s involvement in the Club World Cup this summer. According to reports, Inter will be granted a 10-day window to sign players before other clubs can begin negotiations, which gives them a significant advantage in the race for Henrique’s signature. This could make things more difficult for Forest, as they will not only have to outbid other Premier League clubs like Newcastle, but also fend off European heavyweights like Bayern Munich and Inter. Despite this, if Forest can secure a Champions League spot, they may be able to offer Henrique the allure of playing in Europe’s premier competition, which would certainly improve their chances of landing the Brazilian star.
The reported price tag of around £30 million for Henrique is significant, but it would represent a smart investment for the future. At just 23 years old, Henrique has the potential to be a key player for Forest for many years to come. His pace and dribbling ability would complement Forest’s existing wingers, Hudson-Odoi and Elanga, giving the team a dynamic and versatile attacking trio. Moreover, Henrique’s adaptability in playing on both sides of the pitch would give Nuno Espirito Santo more tactical options, allowing him to change things up depending on the opposition. Forest could also benefit from Henrique’s ability to play both as a winger and as an attacking midfielder, offering more flexibility to the squad.
While Hudson-Odoi and Elanga have been excellent this season, the addition of Henrique could give Forest a much-needed injection of flair and creativity, especially in games where they have struggled to break down deep-lying defenses. Henrique could also provide better width, helping to stretch opposition defenses and create more space for Forest’s attacking players. However, it’s important that Forest doesn’t focus solely on improving the wings. The team still needs to strengthen in other areas, particularly in the central midfield and defense. Murillo’s costly error in the Everton match highlighted the need for defensive solidity, and the club may need to bring in reinforcements to ensure they have the depth to compete in the Premier League and, potentially, in Europe next season.
Aside from Henrique, Forest’s recruitment team will likely be targeting other positions, such as central midfield and defense, to address areas where they have been inconsistent. The team will need to be tactical in their approach, balancing immediate needs with long-term planning. Forest has shown a lot of promise this season, and with the right signings, they could become a more formidable force in the Premier League.
One of the most crucial aspects of the summer transfer window will be Forest’s ability to sell the club’s project to potential signings. The promise of playing in European competition could be a huge selling point, especially if the club can secure a spot in one of the European leagues. Players like Henrique, who have several options, will be drawn to the idea of playing for a club with European aspirations, particularly if that includes the Champions League.
The next few weeks are critical for Forest, both on the pitch and in the transfer market. If they can bounce back from the disappointment against Everton and finish the season strong, they could secure a European spot, which would not only provide financial rewards but also attract higher-quality players like Luis Henrique. With a squad that is capable of competing at the highest level, Forest has the potential to make a serious push for Europe again next season. However, they must remain focused, ensure they address areas of weakness, and take full advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead.
Ultimately, the key to success for Nottingham Forest will be maintaining their focus, pushing through the challenges ahead, and ensuring that they make the right moves in the transfer market to further strengthen the squad. If they can do that, the dream of playing European football at the City Ground next season could become a reality.