Nottingham Forest: Rising Giants Ready for the Big Stage
For years, Nottingham Forest were a club wrapped in nostalgia — European Cup winners of the past trying to find relevance in the modern game. But today, under Nuno Espirito Santo, they are no longer simply surviving in the Premier League — they are thriving.
Currently sitting third in the league, Forest are riding a wave of momentum. With five games remaining, they hold a three-point lead over sixth-placed Chelsea. That cushion, while not yet definitive, has opened up the very real possibility of Champions League football returning to the City Ground — something no one would have predicted just a couple of years ago.
This potential top-five finish is about more than prestige. It would fundamentally change the club’s financial outlook and recruitment capabilities. With UEFA’s restructured Champions League format beginning in 2024/25, Premier League clubs will have more lucrative European exposure — and Forest are positioning themselves to be one of the biggest beneficiaries.
But with opportunity comes pressure. The club must now build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts, including in Europe. That means a deeper bench, higher-quality starters, and tactical flexibility. The good news? Several talented players will be available this summer, particularly from relegated Premier League sides. These players come battle-tested and hungry — perfect for Forest’s next chapter.
Here’s a deep look at three domestic talents Forest should pursue to strengthen key areas while continuing their smart recruitment philosophy.
- Bilal El Khannouss (Leicester City)
The Heir to Gibbs-White?
It’s hard to overstate just how disappointing Leicester’s season has been. Once tipped to challenge for a top-eight finish, they’ve instead plummeted to mathematical relegation with weeks to spare. But amid the wreckage, Bilal El Khannouss has stood out as a beacon of composure and creativity.
Signed for £21 million from Belgian side Genk last summer, the 20-year-old Moroccan playmaker has flourished despite the chaos around him. A technically gifted midfielder with an elegant first touch, excellent spatial awareness, and sharp vision, El Khannouss is the kind of player who looks at home in tight spaces and thrives under pressure — traits that will serve him well at the highest level.
Unsurprisingly, he’s already being monitored by Arsenal and Liverpool, but Forest should not be ruled out. If they qualify for the Champions League and opt to sell Morgan Gibbs-White — who has admirers at Manchester City — El Khannouss would be an ideal long-term successor.
His strengths include:
Press resistance: he can turn away from markers and maintain possession under duress.
Progressive passing: frequently unlocks defences with sharp, vertical balls.
Versatility: can play as a No. 8, No. 10, or wide in a creative role.
Work ethic: doesn’t shy away from defensive duties.
Forest’s midfield could be built around him, and in a possession-based, counter-attacking hybrid system under Nuno, El Khannouss would be a dream fit. He’s not just a gamble — he’s a potential star who could double or triple his value in a couple of years.
- Tyler Dibling (Southampton)
The Next Premier League Wonderkid?
While Southampton’s fate was sealed early, Tyler Dibling’s individual performances have drawn significant attention. Just 19, Dibling has been one of the most exciting wide players to emerge from any relegated side in recent memory.
Despite Southampton’s poor form, Dibling has shown:
Exceptional pace on the ball
Two-footed control — capable of shooting or crossing from either side
Rapid acceleration and ball-carrying in transition
An eye for goal and improving end product
Former Southampton manager Russell Martin went so far as to say:
“Tyler is the most talented player I’ve ever worked with. I worked with Harry Kane at 21 — and Tyler might have more natural ability.”
That’s no small praise, and Dibling is already being linked with top clubs. Southampton have placed a ludicrous £100 million price tag on him — clearly symbolic — but a more realistic bid in the £20–30 million range could tempt them, especially if they need to balance the books following relegation.
For Forest, Dibling could be a statement signing. He’d bring pace, creativity, and youthful energy to a wide area that could use more dynamism. Imagine him combining with El Khannouss and Chris Wood, or playing off the likes of Taiwo Awoniyi or Anthony Elanga.
He wouldn’t just be a squad addition — he could walk into the starting XI and add immediate flair. With the right development, he could become a cornerstone of Forest’s attack for years.
- Leif Davis (Ipswich Town)
Premier League-Ready Left-Back With Attacking Class
Forest are facing a potential defensive reset this summer, particularly at left-back. Alex Moreno and Harry Toffolo are both out of contract, and with the club eyeing Europe, upgrading this position is a top priority.
They’ve shown interest in Daniel Svensson of Borussia Dortmund, but there’s a more pragmatic — and possibly more effective — solution in Leif Davis.
Though Ipswich are not yet mathematically relegated, they are 15 points from safety and effectively doomed. Davis, however, has had a brilliant two-season stretch. In the 2023/24 Championship campaign, he racked up an astounding 21 assists — the highest for any defender in Europe’s top two divisions. This term, even as Ipswich have struggled, he’s contributed four more goal involvements.
Davis offers:
Elite delivery from the left
Stamina and overlapping runs
Defensive tenacity despite his attacking flair
Strong positional discipline
Forest could do far worse than bringing in a player like Davis who is not only Premier League-proven but also homegrown — important for Champions League squad regulations.
At 24, Davis is still improving, and under a tactically disciplined manager like Nuno, his game could elevate to new levels. He could provide width and consistency down the left and work seamlessly in both back-four and wing-back systems.
Why These Moves Make Sense for Forest
With these three players, Forest wouldn’t just be reacting to market opportunities — they’d be shaping their future:
El Khannouss offers a creative solution if Gibbs-White leaves — and a midfield upgrade even if he stays.
Dibling brings youthful unpredictability and explosiveness out wide.
Davis provides balance, width, and service from full-back — all essential for modern European football.
Crucially, all three are young, Premier League-ready, and likely to retain or increase their market value. Forest, already becoming a more attractive club to players, can offer these talents regular minutes, a European platform, and an ambitious project.
Conclusion: The Summer of Opportunity
Nottingham Forest are at a pivotal moment. They have momentum, an improving squad, a proven manager, and the opportunity to step onto the European stage. But to do that — and sustain it — they must recruit with purpose and plan for both depth and quality.
By targeting the best of the relegated talent pool, starting with El Khannouss, Dibling, and Davis, they can strengthen the spine of the team, replace any outgoing stars, and continue their upward trajectory.
This could be the summer Forest go from a club with potential to a club with power.
Would you like me to mock up a full 23/24 squad list for Forest next season including these targets and some additional realistic transfer options?