The transfer rumours never stop. Ever since Nottingham Forest returned to the Premier League, any player who has excelled in any consistent way has been linked with a move to a ‘bigger club’.
Very few of them have actually left. Brennan Johnson and Anthony Elanga were the two big-money departures – both record sales – sanctioned with an eye on sustainability. Others have been sold for good money, but perhaps weren’t as intrinsic to the first team and were subsequently replaced with an equal or upgraded equivalent.
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It is only now that the wolves are at the door and the threat is real. But the caveats remain unknown.
Elliot Anderson hasn’t just been one of Forest’s best performers this season – he’s been one of the Premier League’s standout players. And he’s been heavily linked to Manchester United and Manchester City as well as any other club that likes being linked to promising midfielders.
Morgan Gibbs-White is also fundamental to Forest’s first XI and one of the most exquisite attacking players to ever grace the City Ground. Murillo is a Rolls-Royce of a defender – although perhaps there is a more graceful car comparison – and is surely the best we’ve seen since Des Walker.
Neco Williams has had an outstanding campaign. Nikola Milenkovic is a rock at the back. Ibrahim Sangare is finally the player we always thought he could be. All have been linked with other clubs. But – there’s always a but – what if Nottingham Forest had something to do with their futures? What if we win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League? What if we retain Premier League status and Vitor Pereira continues to impress? What if we simply persuade them to stay?
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If big money comes knocking with an opportunity a player can hardly refuse, it’s often unfair to stand in their way. If Evangelos Marinakis gives his blessing, knowing the revenues raised will give the Reds an even greater base to grow from, then we might see one or maybe two players depart. But it won’t be without a fight. And it won’t be before we know how next season looks. Hold tight.
Find more from Pat Riddell at The Famous Club