Steve Cooper’s £4m Signing Leaves Nottingham Forest After Failing to Play a Single Minute Since 2022

As the international break continues, Nuno Espirito Santo has a chance to reflect on Nottingham Forest’s first three league games of the season.

This follows a hectic transfer window, with several players moving in and out of the City Ground in recent months.

However, while the English transfer window has closed, other countries still have active windows, allowing deals to be completed.

Recently, one such transfer saw Forest finally part ways with a player signed by Steve Cooper in 2022.

Nottingham Forest Sells Steve Cooper Signing

During Steve Cooper’s tenure, Nottingham Forest brought in South Korean forward Ui-jo Hwang.

Unfortunately, Hwang’s time in England was far from successful, as he failed to make a single appearance for the Reds.

Since joining Forest for £4m, he has been loaned out four times to various European clubs.

On Friday, it was confirmed that Hwang had permanently departed Forest, signing with Turkish club Alanyaspor.

The 32-year-old had spent the latter part of last season in Turkey, contributing a goal and an assist in eight appearances.

He also had a loan spell in the Championship with Norwich City, where he scored three goals in 17 games.

Having never played a minute for Forest, Hwang’s time at the City Ground has officially come to an end.

Forest Could Have Benefitted From Another Striker Signing This Summer

Chris Wood has had a promising start to the season for Forest, scoring twice in the first three league games.

The New Zealand striker thought he had secured a third goal—and the winner—against Wolves last weekend, but it was disallowed for offside.

After netting 15 goals last season, this strong start is exactly what Wood, Nuno, and Forest fans would have hoped for.

However, Forest missed out on signing additional striker targets, putting extra pressure on Wood to stay fit and maintain his form.

Santiago Gimenez declined a move to Forest, while Eddie Nketiah ultimately joined Crystal Palace.

With these missed opportunities, a lot is riding on Wood’s shoulders to deliver consistently throughout the season.