There was a sense of relief for head coach Nuno Espirito Santo that the end of June passed without Nottingham Forest losing any of their star players.
The Reds brought in good money for Odysseas Vlachodimos, Moussa Niakhate and Orel Mangala. And with those sales in mind, Nuno has said Forest “don’t have to worry” about complying with Profitability and Sustainability Rules.
They were docked four points last season for a PSR breach. Avoiding a repeat of that situation was a priority for the upcoming campaign.
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June 30 was a key date in that sense, marking the deadline for the next financial assessment period. Forest came through it without having to consider offloading any of their prized assets for cut-price fees in order to balance the books.
It means they are in the driving seat should any bids come in before the summer window closes on August 30. The club will be able to consider any offers for key men on their own terms.
They still have some work to do when it comes to moving fringe players on, though. Nuno admitted after Saturday’s friendly victory over Chesterfield that careful decisions will be made with regards to their futures – particularly those players who have returned from loan spells.
“We have some (signings) and the squad is not closed yet,” Nuno said at the weekend. “We still have aspects to decide. We are working with players who have been on loan; we have to have a good look at them and make the right decisions for them.
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“But more important that we were able to keep our players. I’m really, really happy for that – that we as a club are keeping our most important players, because I believe after the work of last season this is what is going to give us the improvement through this season.”
An interesting second half of the transfer window lies ahead. NottinghamshireLive takes a look at some of the players with uncertain futures.
Matt Turner: Carlos Miguel has been brought in to compete with Matz Sels for the No.1 spot, pushing Turner down the pecking order. It remains to be seen whether Forest target another goalkeeper to make it three senior custodians on the books, but Turner is likely to want game time regardless. He is said to have MLS interest and is valued at 7 million euros (£5.9m) on transfermarkt.
Joe Worrall: It was perhaps telling that the defender did not wear the armband on Saturday despite starting the game. Ryan Yates had that honour, as he did in Worrall’s absence last term. A summer move has long seemed likely for the club captain. He would be available for around £4m. Sheffield United remain keen.
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Jonathan Panzo: Although he has never really got a chance at the City Ground, the 23-year-old centre-back is still relatively young. Standard Liege opted not to keep him after he spent the second half of last season on loan there, but he is still expected to move on this summer. With just a year left on his Reds contract he is valued at 1.2m euros (£1m) on transfermarkt.
Alex Mighten: The 22-year-old once again finds his career at something of a crossroads. A succession of loan spells haven’t quite worked out and forcing his way into Nuno’s plans seems tough, especially as he has just a year left to run on his contract. Transfermarkt put his value at £500,000.
Lewis O’Brien: The midfielder has already been linked with several clubs this summer. Middlesbrough decided against making his move permanent on the back of last season’s loan spell. Sheffield United, Preston North End, Ipswich Town and Luton Town have been credited with an interest. Reports have suggested some potential suitors would prefer a loan deal, whereas Forest would prefer to sell. He is valued at £4m.
Josh Bowler: Admittedly it was only a friendly, but the winger’s muted celebration when he scored against the Spireites was perhaps also an indication he doesn’t expect to be sticking around. He has had several loan spells since putting pen to paper Trentside. If the Reds look to sell this time around, transfermarkt’s £1.2m valuation probably isn’t too far wrong.
Emmanuel Dennis: Some might argue the 26-year-old deserves a chance in Nuno’s squad. If Forest do decide to cash in, it is likely to be at a loss on the reported £20m they paid to Watford two years ago. Transfermarkt say he is now worth £3.5m.
Hwang Ui-jo: Seems likely he will leave the Reds without ever making a first-team appearance in the Garibaldi. Has been out on loan since signing two years ago, but if Forest can secure a permanent move for the forward this time around they surely will do. Valued at £1.5m.
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