Opinion: Nottingham Forest’s Signing of Cooper Proves More Valuable than Anderson & Niakhate
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo is set to reshape his squad this summer, marking his first significant transfer window since joining the club in December.
Taking over from Steve Cooper mid-season, Nuno faced challenges implementing his system but showed promise towards the season’s end. His reliance on striker Chris Wood, who scored 14 Premier League goals, silenced critics.
With the new season approaching, Nuno aims to strengthen Forest’s squad to secure a more comfortable position above the relegation zone in 2024/25.
Forest’s summer transfer activity has been proactive, including signings like goalkeeper Carlos Miguel, winger Eric da Silva Moreira, and Elliot Anderson from Newcastle for £35m, with Odysseas Vlachodimos moving in the opposite direction.
To manage Financial Fair Play regulations, Forest sold key players Orel Mangala and Moussa Niakhate to Lyon for £20m and £27m respectively, leaving gaps in the squad but demonstrating strategic planning in recruitment.
One standout addition has been winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, acquired from Chelsea for around £3m last summer. He made an immediate impact with a spectacular goal against Burnley and has since scored eight goals and provided an assist in 29 appearances.
Hudson-Odoi’s value has skyrocketed by 1,230%, now estimated at £40m, attracting interest from clubs like Tottenham Hotspur. His form in the latter part of the season, including three goals in the final three matches, underscores his importance to Nuno’s plans.
Entering the new season, Hudson-Odoi, at 23, looks to build on his recent successes and further enhance his market value.
