Nottingham Forest had a remarkably successful transfer window this summer, showcasing a refreshing change in strategy. The Reds secured 11 new signings, including David Carmo and Marko Stamenic, who have both joined Olympiacos on season-long loans, adding depth to their squad while allowing these players to gain valuable experience abroad.
It’s safe to say that Nottingham Forest’s new signings have settled in seamlessly. Elliot Anderson, who joined from Newcastle for £35 million, has already garnered praise from Alan Shearer for his performances. Meanwhile, James Ward-Prowse has made a significant impact since arriving on loan from West Ham, and Alex Moreno has also joined the squad as another domestic loan option, bolstering Forest’s midfield and defensive options as they aim for a successful season.
Jota Silva and Ramon Sosa have injected much-needed energy into Nottingham Forest’s squad, with both players already netting their first goals for the club. However, perhaps the standout signing has been Nikola Milenkovic, who received high praise from Henry Winter for his impressive performance against Chelsea. While some other targets didn’t materialize this summer, the transfer window ultimately proved to be a resounding success from Forest’s perspective, significantly enhancing their squad depth and quality.
Nottingham Forest has made a £4 million bid for Aston Villa’s promising youngster, but not every target they pursued came to fruition. Santiago Gimenez stands out as a notable missed opportunity, as he informed Forest of his final decision just days before the transfer deadline, leaving the club to shift its focus to other potential signings.
Oliver Glasner successfully persuaded Eddie Nketiah to join Crystal Palace, despite it looking for a long time like the Arsenal striker would move to Nottingham Forest. Additionally, Forest had their sights set on signing Lamare Bogarde from Aston Villa for £4 million but were unable to finalize the deal. The Reds were eager to secure a quick agreement for the Dutch player, but it soon became clear that Bogarde faced a tough choice as the new season approached, complicating Forest’s pursuit of his signature.
Ultimately, Aston Villa decided to offer Lamare Bogarde a new contract, ensuring he remains at Villa Park. So far this season, he hasn’t disappointed, making two appearances in the Premier League under Unai Emery. Notably, he played the full 90 minutes as Villa delivered a commanding performance against Young Boys in their first Champions League match, marking a promising start to his campaign.
Had Nottingham Forest successfully signed Lamare Bogarde from Aston Villa, he likely would have become a regular fixture in the matchday squad. Currently, Forest is relying on Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo as their central defensive pair, with Willy Boly and Morato offering additional competition from the bench. Bogarde’s presence would have added depth and talent to an already competitive defensive lineup.
Bogarde would have undoubtedly played a significant role at Nottingham Forest, where opportunities might have been more abundant at the City Ground. However, it’s difficult to fault a player for choosing to remain and compete in the Champions League, especially now that he has made an appearance in the tournament, validating his decision.
This situation highlights that Forest is targeting the right markets for talent. Bogarde is a promising young player, and signings of this caliber are far more exciting for the club than bringing in older players whose best days are behind them. Such a strategy could pave the way for a brighter future for Forest as they continue to build a competitive squad.