Nuno Espirito Santo, the head coach of Nottingham Forest, maintained a laid-back demeanor during the winter transfer window. When he was in front of the media and the topic of possible signings was brought up, he always had the same response.
Only “special” targets would be taken into consideration, he repeatedly declared. The only part of the pitch that lacked adequate cover when the Reds entered January was up front.
Even so, there was a recognition that Forest needed to find the perfect striker, not just any old one.
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Furthermore, given the way Chris Wood is playing, any forward would realize they would have a difficult time breaking into the starting lineup.
Before Monday’s deadline, several other teams were also searching for additional firepower, and Nuno repeatedly acknowledged that it was a “difficult” window to conduct business during. Selling clubs are aware that they can charge more to take advantage of people’s desperation in January, especially with regard to front men.
When all of it was combined, the Reds’ shopping pool was rather small.
Additionally, the club’s recent windows’ pragmatic approach does not encourage spending for the sake of spending.
They did, however, have striker targets. Igor Jesus of Botafogo thought that staying put was best for his career, despite reports from Brazil that they made a £25 million bid for him.
However, Brentford’s Yoane Wissa was at the top of Forest’s list.
His versatility would have been very helpful, as he has a track record of scoring goals in the Premier League.
Early in the window, boss Thomas Frank declared that a trade for Wissa “will not happen.”
Additionally, he reaffirmed the club’s goal to hold onto the 28-year-old as January went on. In the lead-up to the deadline, Frank stated, “There are a lot of rumors.”
Once more, he plays for Brentford, and in my view, Wissa is not for sale.
I don’t understand why we should sell him because he has been our top number nine and performed admirably.
Wissa has responded to the rumors about his future as well. He was questioned about Forest’s interest and whether a potential deal was underway in an interview with Canal+ Sport Africa.
“There is an interest, there is an interest,” was his translated response.
llI am unable to say whether transfers are possible at this time.
However, starting this summer, there has been interest.
Their season is going really well, and I’m keeping up my pace as well. Yes, I am currently concentrating on Brentford, but we’ll see what transpires.