Nottingham Forest already have best and worst case scenarios for key January transfer window

A positive start to the campaign has seen Nottingham Forest fans pondering whether they should dig their passports out in anticipation of European adventures next term.

Having a full pre-season to work with his squad has proved incredibly beneficial for head coach Nuno Espirito Santo. On the whole, the Reds look a well-drilled outfit this time around.

They also have plenty of quality in the squad, having bought well in the summer. Nuno likes to work with a tight-knit group, so thanks to the groundwork previously done Forest shouldn’t need to do too much business come January.

If the next couple of months continue along an upward curve, perhaps it will influence the club’s thinking to some degree. For instance, if European football does look a distinct possibility, the Reds may well be particularly keen to ensure Nuno has sufficient strength in depth at his disposal. Of course, injuries can also have an impact on transfer window plans.

There is still some way to go before teams can start doing business again, but the new year will soon come around. Below, we look at the best and worst-case January window scenarios for the Reds.

Best-case scenario

As soon as the August 30 deadline passed, Nuno made clear he was very happy with his squad. Numbers had been trimmed and Forest had quality – and cover – right across the pitch.

The Portuguese was quick to dismiss any suggestions not signing another striker or bringing in another goalkeeper could be problematic. The Reds looked at targets in both positions, but Nuno insisted there was no disappointment that deals did not materialise.

The form of Chris Wood has dispelled any concerns about a shortage of options up front, and getting a new deal sorted for the 32-year-old should certainly be top of Forest’s to-do list. But it would still come as no surprise to see another forward being targeted in January.

The likes of Eddie Nketiah, Santiago Gimenez and Omar Marmoush were all on the Reds’ radar in the summer. The latter’s price tag might well have gone up since Forest reportedly had two bids turned down as he has been banging in the goals for Eintracht Frankfurt, but if a player of similar ilk could be found it would strengthen Nuno’s resources.

Revisiting previous goalkeeper links in January should be less of a priority. Matz Sels has come to the rescue on several occasions already this term, and there is no need to gamble with changing keeper midway through the campaign.

In the summer, Nuno stressed the importance of the club retaining the core of their squad. Despite interest in the likes of Murillo, Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga, all remained in situ. A repeat scenario in January would be ideal – it would really give the Reds a chance to kick on.

Worst-case scenario

Performing well in any division always leads to the vultures circling. Forest have been in the national spotlight courtesy of their strong start to the season, and rivals will have been taking note.

The transfer talk about Murillo, in particular, hasn’t gone away. Only this week, reports suggested Liverpool remained particularly keen. Even if the Brazilian doesn’t go anywhere, the Reds could really do without the window being dominated by speculation.

Keeping hold of star men in the summer, including rebuffing Newcastle United’s late swoop for Anthony Elanga, was a real statement of intent from owner Evangelos Marinakis. Forest will hope to avoid having to make too many similar big decisions in January.

The summer window was characterised by sensible, considered business. There was no panic buying or head-scratching additions. The Reds spent well and went about their dealings smartly – epitomised by not splashing the cash on a striker just for the sake of it.

Taking a similar approach in January must be the way forward; not to do so could risk undoing previous good work. The winter window can often be a difficult month, where clubs are tempted to pay over the odds for new faces. Forest already have a perfect template to follow.