Nottingham Forest’s squad is likely to require only minor tweaking by the time January comes around.
The Reds will put an emphasis on overseeing some outgoings as they look to trim numbers. Meanwhile, they do not require too much by way of incomings
Good business done in the summer means head coach Steve Cooper has strength in depth. He has options across the pitch – in some cases too many, hence the focus on exits when the window opens.
It could be argued back-up was already required for Taiwo Awoniyi. However, with the Nigeria international now facing at least three months on the sidelines the Reds have been left with a particularly big hole to fill.
Cooper was coy about whether Awoniyi’s groin injury would impact transfer plans when quizzed in his pre-match press conference. It would not come as a surprise if work is being stepped up behind the scenes, though.
Opta stats show Awoniyi has scored 27 percent of Forest’s goals in the Premier League since the start of last season. He is the team’s leading scorer this term with four, while he bagged 11 in all competitions in 2022/23.
His campaign was disrupted by injury on that occasion, too. The Reds hope that the surgery he has undergone can now help him in the long-term.
Chris Wood and Divock Origi will be fighting it out for the shirt for the time being. The former is second-highest scorer with three goals so far, including the two he netted against Luton Town last month when Awoniyi was absent previously. Forest don’t always play to his strengths when he has been in the team, though; if he gets the nod to start against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday that is something the hosts must take into account.
Nevertheless, both Wood and Origi have already shown they can score goals at this level. Both can play their part and will be eager to step up in their teammate’s absence.
Neither are in the same mould as Awoniyi, though. It is not just the 26-year-old’s goal-threat which will be missed, but also his all-round play.
January can be a tricky window at the best of times. Selling teams can capitalise on the desperation of others by driving up prices, while goalscorers are often in particularly high demand. Complying with financial regulations can also be a factor