Nottingham Forest have brought in dozens of players since their Premier League return in 2022, with varying degrees of success. Given the sheer volume of signings, it’s no surprise that Forest have been linked with a wide range of potential transfers during their time back in the top flight.
One area that has proven troublesome for Nottingham Forest since their Premier League return has been securing a reliable goalkeeper. In the last transfer window, Forest made a late attempt to sign Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher, but with little time to find a replacement, Liverpool refused the offer.
Forest did secure Carlos Miguel for £4 million, but he has only served as a backup so far, and it remains uncertain whether he will ever be considered the number one at the City Ground. Several goalkeepers have been used since Forest’s return to the Premier League, and now one glaringly obvious transfer mistake from 2023 stands out.
Nottingham Forest’s handling of Dean Henderson now appears to be a major misstep. Henderson joined Forest on loan in the summer of 2022, becoming a priority signing for Steve Cooper after Brice Samba opted to return to France with Lens. Forest were keen to secure Henderson permanently, but Manchester United stalled, dragging out the decision on whether to sell him.
Ultimately, Forest were forced to make a decision on Henderson. After he sustained a thigh injury that prematurely ended his season at the City Ground, the club opted to look elsewhere. They brought in Matt Turner and Odysseas Vlachodimos, but neither goalkeeper has truly delivered. In hindsight, Forest should have taken the chance on securing Henderson permanently.
Henderson, now 26, joined Crystal Palace for just £15 million—a fee that would have been incredible value for Forest, considering he is an international-level goalkeeper. On Sunday night, Henderson showcased his abilities for England, as Lee Carsley benched Jordan Pickford to give the former Forest man a start against Finland in the Nations League.
England secured a 3-1 victory, and Henderson earned praise for his performance. I-News highlighted his efforts, stating, “Made a couple of fine saves when called upon on his first senior start for his country.” His display further underlined the missed opportunity for Nottingham Forest.
Henderson is fondly remembered for his time at Forest, where he made a strong impact before an unfortunate thigh injury in February 2023 cut his season short. Initially, there was hope he wouldn’t be sidelined for long, but surgery became necessary. After joining Crystal Palace, he experienced a minor recurrence of the issue, further delaying his full return to action.
Henderson delivered two of the finest goalkeeping performances since Forest’s return to the Premier League—possibly even in the club’s history. First, he starred in a 1-0 victory over Liverpool at the City Ground, making a stunning save from Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time header that seemed destined to equalize. Then, just before his injury, he saved a crucial penalty in the shootout, helping Forest reach the Carabao Cup semi-final for the first time in years.
At £15 million, Henderson would have been worth the risk, even if his thigh injury had limited his future as a regular starter elsewhere.
As it stands, Henderson is now playing regularly for Crystal Palace, and with his recent opportunity in the England team, he likely aspires to become the national team’s first-choice goalkeeper. Nottingham Forest must be seriously regretting their decision; had they signed Henderson, he could have been their number one for many years to come.