Author: Naandiyak Solomon

Nottingham Forest used 33 players in 38 Premier League games last season, more than any other team in the league.

Under two different managers, it was a period of fight to avoid relegation, and that statistic illustrates the sense of disarray that occasionally loomed over Forest.

In their first season following their return to the top level, 2022–2023—another fight against relegation—they also utilized the most players of any Premier League team, again with 33.

With just 23 games played so far this season, Forest has employed the fewest players of any team in the division, according to head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.

The unity and solidarity Nuno and his squad have helped to foster in the 13 months since he succeeded Steve Cooper is also indicated by that number.

After their 5-0 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday, it would be easy to overreact and risk shattering that unity, believing that a significant reaction is required to a spectacular setback. particularly during this season.

At Forest, that has before occurred. They lost to Preston North End 3-0 at home in the second-tier Championship on January 30, 2018, dropping them to 15th place in the 24-team standings. Their newly hired manager, Aitor Karanka, called the match the “worst moment” of his career.

With the arrival of Costel Pantilimon, Jack Colback, Adlene Guedioura, Ashkan Dejagah, Joe Lolley, and Lee Tomlin, as well as the nearly finalized agreement for free agent Ben Watson (who joined the following week), Forest essentially made seven new additions the following day, which also happened to be the deadline day for that season’s winter window.

 

On Saturday at 7:30 AM ET, Nottingham Forest (third) and Brighton & Hove Albion (ninth) will square off at City Ground. Watch the game live on Fubo.

Nottingham Forest lost to AFC Bournemouth 5-0 on the road last time out, despite taking 17 shots and outshooting Bournemouth by three.

Brighton’s most recent match was a 1-0 loss to Everton FC at home on January 25. Brighton beat Everton FC by a score of 17 to 3.

 

Bournemouth’s ability to control the midfield has been essential to their remarkable 11-game winning streak.

Despite receiving more and more notice for their performances, midfielders Ryan Christie and Tyler Adams are still not well-known in the Premier League.

Adams demonstrated why he is a vital member of the Cherries during Bournemouth’s decisive 5-0 victory over the weekend.

Christie also attracted attention the week before with a spectacular performance at St. James’ Park, where he was instrumental in the 4-1 victory over Newcastle and received Monday Night Football feature coverage.

Both players are excellent at the elements of the game that are sometimes disregarded; they compete furiously for every loose ball, disrupt play, challenge opponents, and exhibit unwavering enthusiasm.

Adams has topped the Premier League in tackles won (3.4) and interceptions (2.7) per ninety minutes since he returned from injury in October.

In addition, he has recently expanded his skill set by contributing three assists in just two games, including two against Forest.

In a same vein, Christie has consistently supported the Cherries.

He has played in every game since the October internationals, with the exception of one loss at — making sure the team has been playing well during this time.

The midfield group, which now includes Alex Scott and Lewis Cook, is undoubtedly among the strongest in the league.

Cook has maintained his impressive play and prompted discussions of a possible call-up despite playing out of position as a right-back due to injury.

Scott, who contributed significantly in the early going of the season prior to his injury, was also instrumental in Bournemouth’s strong start.

To the question of whether he thought his midfield five was quietly making a name for itself among the best, Iraola said, “It’s hard to draw parallels.

It is reasonable for other managers to defend their midfield players. The competition is fierce, and consistency is crucial, even if I’m sure ours are doing remarkably well.”

 

As the transfer deadline draws near, Nottingham Forest is still interested in teenage defender Taylan Bulut.

Earlier this month, the Schalke teenager was first linked to the Reds.

They have been authorized to pursue him, according to Bild, with the deadline of February 3 approaching.

In an effort to bolster Nuno Espirito Santo’s team, Forest is after Bulut, while Bournemouth is also keen.

Bulut, valued at €2M, might be a steal because Schalke has to generate money fast.

 

Santiago Gimenez admits he was excited when Milan called him last summer, but Feyenoord didn’t accept the Rossoneri’s offer, which was below Nottingham Forest’s.

Mexico international Gimenez is pushing to move to Milan this month, and multiple reports in Italy claim he has already reached an agreement with the Rossoneri.

However, his club, Feyenoord, are reluctant to sell in the current transfer window, so talks between the two clubs are still ongoing.

Feyenoord were unconvinced about the idea, so they asked me what I wanted to do. Other clubs said they would send offers.

I could go to Nottingham, but then I’d have missed a chance to join another club. Therefore, I decided to wait and see what happened.

“However, nothing happened in the following days.

I was convinced the right moment to leave Feyenoord had come because I had won almost everything with the club.

“On the last day [of the summer transfer window], Milan put on the table half than Nottingham had offered, and the club said no.

I understood the club, and I had to stay. It would have been a great opportunity, and I know other chances will come, but when the Rossoneri called me, I thought, ‘wow.’”

Milan had a second opening bid rejected in the January transfer window.

According to Italian sources, it was close to €30m, but media in Mexico and the Netherlands claim the proposal was €20m plus a 10 per cent cut of his future sale.

Feyenoord have reportedly put a €40m price tag on Gimenez.

The 23-year-old has scored 15 goals in 18 appearances this season.

He is a Mexico international, but would not fill a spot for non-EU players at San Siro having an Italian passport.

Manchester City are edging closer to the signing of Juventus star Douglas Luiz as the Brazilian ‘wants’ the transfer, though Nottingham Forest have reportedly entered the frame. Man City are on the lookout for a new defensive midfielder who can help them in the second half of the season until Rodri recovers from his ACL injury.

City have not been their usual imperious selves without Rodri, having fallen out of the Premier League title race and also put themselves at risk of being knocked out of the Champions League.

Even while Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva are extremely skilled midfielders, they are unable to offer the City defense the same level of protection that Rodri does.

City is considering a deal to re-sign Luiz, who might leave Juventus after only six months in Turin, in order to cover this void.

The 26-year-old Luiz “wants a transfer” return to the Etihad, according to Brazilian site Bolavip, which has encouraged City to sign him.

City officials now have the task of negotiating an agreement with their Juventus counterparts.

Negotiations will undoubtedly be necessary because City wants a direct loan while Juventus wants a sale or a loan with a buyout clause.

In a surprising turn of events, Pep Guardiola’s team will have to keep an eye out for Forest, a Premier League powerhouse, in this specific transfer window.

According to the article, Luiz is also amenable to moving to the City Ground after being wowed by Forest’s incredible play under Nuno Espirito Santo.

Furthermore, it is said that Forest is “willing to make a large investment” to recruit the Brazil star, indicating that they are more amenable to a long-term deal than City.

The Spanish goalkeeper made four crucial saves and handled set pieces and crosses with assurance after the team’s 5-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the Vitality Stadium.

“It was a very tough game against a strong, very strong opposition,” he told the Daily Echo after the game.

“And I think we make a brilliant job as a team. We defend as a team, we attack as a team.

” “And yeah, we have to give credit to our performance today,” he said.