When Nottingham Forest plays Burnley today, they will play their final game of the summer, and for several players, it may be their last time playing in the Garibaldi.
This summer, the contracts of several Reds players will expire. While some have been on loan elsewhere, others have played more than others.
Whether the club decides to sign any of them to new contracts is still up in the air. What should happen is discussed below by Garibaldi Red anchor Max Hayes and Forest reporter Sarah Clapson.
Wayne Hennessey
MH: I’d like to release. With Matz Sels as our starting goalie and Matt Turner as our backup, it appears like Forest’s goalkeeping crisis is taken care of. We must learn from our past failures and assemble a more cohesive, smaller team in order to maintain player satisfaction. See Arter – still with us!
SC: It will be intriguing to see the goalie situation. Odysseas Vlachodimos and Turner are the two players I can envision leaving; the former is more likely to do so because of rumors circulating that he is dissatisfied with his lack of playing time. Turner and Sels would then be the only available senior keepers, so Forest would still need to make sure they had a third on staff. But I don’t think it’s Hennessey.
Willy Boly
SC: It seems sense to arrange a fresh deal. He still excels as a defender, and his knowledge is invaluable. Forest could have easily scored a few more points if he had been available for more games.
MH: Completely, fresh agreement. He has demonstrated the Premier League caliber and breadth of experience in his field after returning from injury. He understands the workings of the league and, at the end of the day, knows how to be a back four leader. Need to hold onto him. He will play a major role in Forest’s upcoming endeavors.
Felipe
MH: I’m sorry to see him depart, but he will always be admired for his moral character and, most likely, his attractiveness thanks to the Forest mothers! I want the best for him, good servant. Why can’t we keep him around the football club and as an academy coach? A happy environment is essential.
In his brief tenure, SC has made a significant impact, considering that he has just made 25 club appearances. If he could pull off one last run-out at Turf Moor and got to perform one of his signature celebratory flips, that would be fitting.
Ola Aina
MH: Comparable to Boly once again. He must be with us. The key to an aggressive Forest team is his playmaking ability, fluidity of movement, and energy. Just watch his performance against the world’s top team, Man City. Additionally, his most recent collaboration with Callum Hudson-Odoi has been crucial.
SC: I agree; it’s imperative to persuade him to write anything down. His ability to play on both flanks makes him an especially useful asset to the team. With an eye toward working with a close-knit group, Nuno is eager to have players with that kind of adaptability. It will be remembered as a fantastic business decision to sign Aina as a free agent last summer. More so if Forest manages to keep
Cheikhou Kouyate
SC: You could probably make a case either way. Forest are pretty well stocked in midfield and he has largely been restricted to a substitutes’ role, but it is important not to be left short in key areas and he is a valued member of the dressing room. Even when he hasn’t been playing much, Kouyate has been a big influence off the pitch. Nuno certainly appreciates him for that. On balance, though, I would say letting him go would be best.
MH: This is a difficult one. For me, I’d say keep. He is a good option to come off the bench and break up play, but he always seems to be lacking match fitness and that cutting edge. I can’t see him starting in Forest’s midfield next season. Let’s keep the squad smaller.
Gonzalo Montiel
MH: New contract, keep. I think he’s a solid option. A World Cup winner in the dressing room is always nice to have. It’s also more depth within those full-back positions.
SC: I disagree. For me, Montiel’s loan spell has been pretty mixed. If he was hoping to convince Forest to sign him permanently, I’m not sure his last two performances will have helped his cause. I think there are better options out there to strengthen at right-back – and don’t forget, Aina can play there.
Nuno Tavares
SC: He has shown glimpses of what he is capable of. But as with Montiel, I think he has been hit and miss. If Omar Richards’ injury woes are behind him and he can prove himself in pre-season, he could be a better option at left-back. Forest would still have Harry Toffolo on the books, plus Aina and Neco Williams able to fill in. Not sure I’d sign Tavares permanently.
MH: New contract. But it’ll be interesting to see what his future is at Forest. Similar to Aina, his pace and athleticism will help an attacking side. Defensively he’s been let down. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him let go. However, I think, as mentioned with Montiel, more options in the full-back positions will be key.
Gio Reyna
MH: A disappointment, really, given the hype from US fans. But has he really been given time to settle in and try to play a part? Probably not. I’d say, new contract, risk it and let’s hope he can improve with a full summer in Nottingham.
SC: It is a tough one. He clearly has talent, but Forest haven’t seen anything like the best of him. As Max says, though, he has barely played and hasn’t been able to develop any kind of momentum. He will probably go on to be a big hit, either back at Borussia Dortmund or elsewhere, and questions will be asked over why he didn’t do it at the City Ground.
Divock Origi
MH: Release. It’s been frustrating to see someone of his calibre and name simply fail. Missed chances, opportunities and attitude haven’t helped. Make room for another *Premier League* striker.
SC: Falls in the category of signings who have not worked out. Forest do need attacking additions this summer, but it should be an easy decision not to pursue a permanent move for the AC Milan loanee.
Rodrigo Ribeiro
SC: It is virtually impossible to pass judgement on the young Portuguese – he has barely played! He was seen as a bright talent for the future when he came, though, so if the club do make his move permanent they must have spotted something in him.
Loic Mbe Soh
MH: Wow, you really do forget who’s still at Forest. No contract. I can’t see him being anywhere near the dressing room, never mind starting XI. A Championship club would be lucky to have him, though, I’m sure.
SC: Yeah, letting him go is sensible. It is a shame it didn’t work out for him, though. You have to have something about you to have been at PSG. He just never really got the opportunity to prove himself for Forest.
Scott McKenna
MH: I like McKenna and will always be grateful for his efforts for getting into the Premier League. But when I talk about getting a smaller squad to keep a good dressing room atmosphere, I think it would be a good time to let him go. Thanks though, McKenna.
SC: It always feels a bit sad when one of the promotion-winning side leaves, and particularly when it is someone as likeable as McKenna. He has been a terrific servant and has his place in the history books assured.
Harry Arter
SC: Is a debate really necessary?! When he signed, I thought he would be a really good addition. Shows what I know!
MH: Wow, I think the fans deserve his wages given how long he’s been at the football club. Time to go Harry, thanks for the memories. What memories?
