Nottingham Forest, the historic club that has returned to the Premier League after a 23-year absence, continues to make waves in England’s top flight. After their promotion in 2022, Forest has shown a mix of ambition and calculated strategy in their pursuit of stability and success. As the club heads into the 2025 season, there’s an increasing buzz surrounding their transfer targets and plans to build a stronger squad for the challenges that lie ahead. With a rich footballing history, and a determined board behind them, Forest is looking to make key signings that will solidify their position and make them a force to be reckoned with.
A New Era at the City Ground
The 2025 season marks an exciting new chapter for Forest. Since returning to the Premier League, they have shown glimpses of their potential, but consistency has been their Achilles’ heel. After surviving relegation in the 2022-2023 season and finishing in mid-table in 2024, the club’s hierarchy is intent on making a stronger push for European football. However, this goal is only achievable if they reinforce their squad and make the right moves in the transfer market.
Head coach Steve Cooper, the man who masterminded Forest’s promotion and helped them maintain their Premier League status, has a clear vision for the future. Having implemented an aggressive attacking style, Cooper knows that the team needs more depth, quality, and experience in certain key areas. Forest will need to bolster their defense, midfield, and attacking options to make the next leap into the top half of the Premier League, possibly even eyeing a place in Europe. To achieve these lofty ambitions, the club’s transfer targets are set to be key in shaping the team’s future.
Key Positions to Strengthen
1. Central Defender – The Foundation of Stability
One of Forest’s most pressing needs lies at the heart of their defense. Though the club boasts solid defenders like Willy Boly and Scott McKenna, they’ve at times looked vulnerable at the back, especially when faced with high-pressure situations or physical opposition. To move forward, Forest will need an experienced and reliable central defender who can add leadership and a calming presence to their backline.
Several names have emerged as targets for the club. One of the most prominent is Ibrahim Sangaré, the towering Ivorian center-back currently plying his trade at PSV Eindhoven. At 26, Sangaré has built a reputation as one of the top young defenders in Europe and could provide the physicality and composure Forest need in their defense. His ability to read the game and dominate aerial duels would make him a valuable asset for Cooper’s system.
Another potential target is Jarrad Branthwaite, a promising young defender at Everton. Though still developing, Branthwaite’s talent has not gone unnoticed, and he could be the perfect player to come in and make an immediate impact at the City Ground. With his ability to play both as a center-back and as a defensive midfielder, Branthwaite would add versatility to Forest’s defensive options.
2. Creative Midfielder – Unlocking the Attack
In midfield, Forest has some solid performers, such as Ryan Yates and Cheikhou Kouyaté. However, they are still searching for that creative spark who can unlock opposition defenses. A playmaker capable of controlling the tempo and threading dangerous passes would be crucial in elevating Forest’s attack. Steve Cooper’s attacking style requires a midfielder who can dictate the pace of the game and connect the defense with the forwards.
One player on Forest’s radar is James Maddison, the Leicester City playmaker who has impressed since moving to the Premier League. Maddison’s ability to create opportunities from almost anywhere on the pitch would be invaluable to Forest’s offense, and his set-piece delivery would also offer a potent threat in dead-ball situations. The 28-year-old is highly sought after, but his creative brilliance could help Forest step up their game and compete with the best.
Another option that fits into Forest’s philosophy is Morgan Gibbs-White from Wolverhampton Wanderers. Having already had a strong Premier League campaign, Gibbs-White’s ability to dribble, create, and link up play would provide Forest with much-needed flair in midfield. His versatility and hunger to improve make him a player worth pursuing.
3. Striker – A Prolific Goal-Scorer
No Premier League team can compete without a clinical striker, and Forest are no exception. While Taiwo Awoniyi has had some bright moments, there are still doubts over his consistency and ability to score on a regular basis at the top level. Given Forest’s aspirations of moving up the table and potentially reaching European competition, they will need a proven goal-scorer to lead the line.
Forest have been linked with a host of attackers who could bring both experience and firepower to the team. One player consistently mentioned is Patson Daka from Leicester City. Daka has shown flashes of his ability to score goals, but his time at Leicester has been inconsistent. Still, his pace, movement, and finishing ability would make him a dangerous asset to Forest’s frontline. Additionally, Daka’s Premier League experience means he wouldn’t need time to adjust to the demands of the league.
Another exciting prospect is Evan Ferguson, the young Irish striker who has taken the Premier League by storm with Brighton & Hove Albion. At just 19 years old, Ferguson is already showing the potential to become one of the best in England. His link-up play, finishing, and physicality make him an ideal candidate for Forest to target. While Brighton will be keen to hold on to their young star, Ferguson could be the kind of striker who helps Forest make the next leap forward.
4. Right Back – Providing Balance and Width
While Forest have decent full-backs in Serge Aurier and Neco Williams, the right-back position remains an area that could see an upgrade. With the attacking demands of Steve Cooper’s system, having an overlapping right-back who can provide width and deliver quality crosses would be a big asset. A modern full-back who can defend but also contribute offensively is key to Forest’s tactical approach.
Forest have reportedly shown interest in Tariq Lamptey from Brighton. Lamptey’s blistering pace and ability to bomb up and down the wing would provide Forest with an additional attacking threat. He’s also solid defensively, making him the perfect fit for Cooper’s tactical setup. The young Englishman would bring balance to Forest’s wing play, allowing Neco Williams to provide cover on the opposite side.
5. Goalkeeper – The Last Line of Defense
Though Dean Henderson has impressed since arriving on loan from Manchester United, Forest are looking for long-term solutions in goal. Henderson has been a steady presence between the posts, but if Forest are to seriously challenge for European spots, they need a keeper with world-class quality to make key saves in crucial moments.
David Raya of Brentford has long been considered one of the top goalkeepers outside of the top six, and Forest may make a move for him in the 2025 transfer window. His shot-stopping ability and composure under pressure are second to none, and his distribution could help Forest play out from the back. Bringing in Raya would be a statement of intent for Forest as they aim to strengthen every area of their squad.
Ambitious Targets and Future Aspirations
The 2025 transfer window is shaping up to be an exciting one for Nottingham Forest. With the club’s leadership eager to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level, the pursuit of these top players represents a clear commitment to challenging the established order in the Premier League.
However, it won’t be easy. Forest’s transfer targets are highly coveted, and competition from other Premier League clubs could make negotiations difficult. But with Steve Cooper at the helm and a fanbase that is eager to see the club rise to prominence once again, Nottingham Forest is primed to make the necessary moves to ensure they remain in the Premier League for years to come.
The 2025 season promises to be a defining moment for the club as they aim to bring in new blood to the Forest.