Adrian Clarke looks at what Nottingham Forest need to do in the summer transfer window to improve their squad.
Nottingham Forest
Nuno Espirito Santo will almost certainly target a new goalkeeper this summer.
It has been a problem position for Forest ever since they gained promotion in 2022, and during last season none of their 'keepers played well enough to secure their status as the club’s long-term No 1.
The Opta statistics are damning, with Forest’s trio of 'keepers collectively failing to prevent an additional 17 goals across the campaign.
None had impressive save percentages either, with Matt Turner the best-placed, ranking 23rd in the Premier League. Matz Sels and Odysseas Vlachodimos were ranked 34th and 38th out of the 39 'keepers who were used.
| Nott'm Forest 'keepers | Goals prevented | Save percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Matz Sels | -7.6 | 57.14% |
| Matt Turner | -5.4 | 65% |
| Odysseas Vlachodimos | -4.1 | 45.45% |
Forest do not give that many chances away, but their last line of defence has not kept out enough of the attempts they faced.
Uncertainty in this position did not help them defend set-pieces either. Lacking a dominant presence, they shipped a league-high 22 goals from dead-ball situations.
It would be a major surprise if this issue is not addressed.
While they have set their stall out to be a counter-attacking side under Nuno, Forest may benefit from the recruitment of a midfield playmaker who can help the side keep possession a little better if they are to progress as a team.
Sheffield United and Everton were the only sides with less possession in 2023/24, which makes it hard for players such as Callum Hudson-Odoi, Anthony Elanga and Morgan Gibbs-White to get on the ball and make things happen. Their combined talent pool would thrive if they had more possession.
With those players operating behind dangerous centre-forwards Chris Wood or Taiwo Awoniyi, Forest really should score more goals than the 49 they registered last season. Would Elanga, for example, who created six goals for Wood in the last campaign, have produced even more assists if Forest had longer spells of possession?
Bringing in a central midfielder that adds composure and creativity would help them achieve better control and manufacture a greater number of chances.
Key positions to target: Goalkeeper, centre midfield
Ins and outs so far
| Player | Transfer Type | Club | Full Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Felipe |  Released |
- | Details |
| Cheikhou Kouyate | Released |
- | Details |
| Wayne Hennessey | Released |
- | Details |
| Gio Reyna |  End of loan |
Borussia Dortmund | Details |
| Nuno Tavares | End of loan |
Arsenal | Details |
| Gonzalo Montiel | End of loan |
Sevilla | Details |
| Rodrigo Ribeiro | End of loan |
Sporting | Details |
| Divock Origi | End of loan |
AC Milan | Details |
| Harry Arter | Released |
- | Details |
| Scott McKenna | Released |
- | Details |
(Last updated: 7 June)
