Steve Cooper’s time at Nottingham Forest will forever be remembered for its extraordinary highs and frustrating lows. His transformational work in taking a struggling Championship side from the bottom of the table to the Premier League in a matter of months was a remarkable achievement, cementing his legacy as one of the most pivotal figures in the club’s recent history. That promotion campaign in 2021/22 reinvigorated Forest and brought joy back to the City Ground after years of disappointment. However, as Cooper moved into the Premier League, the complexities of top-flight management and some contentious decisions cast a shadow over his tenure.

In hindsight, Cooper’s steadfast loyalty to the players who achieved promotion was admirable but costly. While continuity and trust are important, his refusal to adapt and integrate new talent into the squad exposed the team’s vulnerabilities. One glaring example was his handling of Loïc Badé, the highly-rated French defender signed on loan from Sevilla. Badé arrived with significant potential, but Cooper never gave him a chance to showcase his abilities. Instead, he persisted with the promotion-winning trio of Scott McKenna, Joe Worrall, and Steve Cook in central defense, even as the team struggled to keep clean sheets and avoid relegation.

Badé, a signing largely attributed to Miltos Marinakis rather than Cooper, failed to play a single minute for Forest and was sent back to Sevilla in January 2023. What followed was nothing short of astonishing. At Sevilla, Badé thrived, playing a pivotal role in their Europa League campaign, including starring in the final and lifting the trophy. His success abroad raised serious questions about Cooper’s judgment and Forest’s missed opportunity. Had Badé been given a fair chance, Forest might have had a more stable defense that season, potentially securing their Premier League status with greater comfort and possibly signing Badé permanently.

Now, Badé’s rise has caught the attention of Premier League giants Newcastle United and Liverpool. Both clubs, known for their meticulous recruitment strategies, recognize the French defender’s qualities and are reportedly vying for his signature. The Sun reports that Liverpool, under Arne Slot, currently lead the race to sign him despite their wealth of defensive talent. For Nottingham Forest, watching a player they once had within their ranks become a sought-after target for elite clubs serves as a painful reminder of what could have been.

Steve Cooper’s reluctance to utilize Badé wasn’t an isolated case but part of a broader pattern during his Premier League spell at Forest. Another example was his handling of Andrey Santos, who is now considered one of the top defensive midfielders in Europe. Under Cooper, Santos managed just seven minutes of Premier League football, leaving many to wonder why such a talented player was overlooked. While some decisions could be attributed to the unique pressures of Premier League survival, others, like Badé’s exclusion, seem to stem from Cooper’s reluctance to deviate from his trusted core of players.

Despite these shortcomings, it’s essential to acknowledge that Cooper was working in challenging circumstances. Nottingham Forest underwent significant squad turnover after promotion, with a wave of new signings, many of whom were reportedly not his choices. Balancing the need to integrate new players with maintaining harmony within the squad was no small task, and Cooper’s loyalty to the promotion-winning group stemmed from a sense of fairness and trust. However, the Premier League is unforgiving, and sentimentality often comes at a cost.

While Cooper’s handling of Badé will remain a blemish on his record, Forest’s current defensive setup suggests that the club has learned from past mistakes. The arrivals of Nikola Milenković and Murillo have transformed Forest’s backline, providing quality and stability. Morato and Willy Boly offer reliable backup options, giving the team much-needed depth. These improvements demonstrate that Forest is moving forward, even as they reflect on what might have been with players like Badé.

For Cooper, his time at Forest and his subsequent stint at Leicester City, which also ended in disappointment, will serve as critical learning experiences. His remarkable success in the Championship, where he turned a group of struggling players into promotion winners, highlights his ability to inspire and organize. However, his struggles in the Premier League reveal areas where he must grow—particularly in adaptability, squad rotation, and integrating new talent.

As Cooper waits for his next opportunity in management, it will be fascinating to see where he ends up. He remains a manager with undeniable potential, but his next role will require him to prove that he can thrive at the highest level. For Forest fans, Cooper’s legacy is a complex one: he will always be celebrated for delivering promotion, but his Premier League decisions, particularly the handling of players like Badé, will linger as a source of frustration.

Ultimately, Loïc Badé’s journey—from an unused player at Forest to a Europa League champion and a coveted target for Premier League powerhouses—serves as a cautionary tale for clubs and managers alike. It underscores the importance of making bold decisions and recognizing talent, even when it challenges the status quo. For Nottingham Forest and Steve Cooper, it’s a case of what might have been, but for Badé, the future looks bright as he prepares for the next chapter in his impressive career.