Nottingham Forest have made their way back into the Premier League after 23 years. However, they are wasting no time in celebrating their promotion. Forest playing again in the Premier League is perhaps a dream come true for the entire fanbase. Likewise, to keep that dream alive, the club has invested heavily in staying afloat in England’s top tier. Forest are the second highest spending club in the Premier League.
Let us observe the changes Nottingham Forest have made to their squad to avoid relegation.
Massive net spend to recruit new players
Nottingham Forest have splashed nearly £150 million in new signings while earning mere pennies in player departures. Their net spend is still the second highest in the league, more than Arsenal and Manchester City who have spent over £100 million this year. Forest have signed a total of 16 players, most by any team this season.
Basically, they have signed a whole new team altogether. Out of the 16 players, three were free transfers and one was a loan deal, which saw Manchester United keeper Dean Henderson return to City Ground for the second year in a row. One of the free transfers is ex-Manchester United player Jesse Lingard, who played for West Ham on loan last season. The 29-year-old was dubbed a wunderkind for the Red Devils a few years ago. However, he ran out of favour which saw him leave Old Trafford at the end of his contract.
Investing heavily in exciting prospects
Nottingham Forest have made their signings after studying each player very carefully. They have heavily invested in players who will be reliable now and in the future. Their recent signing is Morgan Gibbs-White from Wolverhampton Wanderers. They signed the 22-year-old midfielder for a club-record fee of £26 million amidst interest from other clubs. Gibbs-White went to Sheffield United on a loan deal last season where he played in the EFL Championship. There he was directly involved in 22 goals and helped the Blades finish fifth in the league.
Another impressive signing made by Forest is the right-back, Neco Williams. One of Jurgen Klopp’s favourite graduates, Forest managed to sign the 21-year-old from Anfield, where he starts regularly. Emmanuel Denis was signed from Watford, who were relegated last season, for a reported fee of £13 million. He was directly involved in 16 goals last season as the Hornets failed to survive relegation. This was seen as a bargain deal by many as the young Nigerian was linked to a few clubs.
Staying in the Premier League, an absolute necessity
Nottingham Forest are back in the Premier League after 23 years. That is a long time waiting for a team that were once Champions of Europe two years in a row. Credit goes to their new ownership, who are heavily investing in the club and shares common interests. Forest, presumably, are in no hurry to face relegation, which explains the net spend. They have invested smartly in the present and the future.
Perhaps we can start making assumptions when the winter transfer window opens. The Premier League table would have taken a good shape by then to analyse Forest’s performances.
Also Read: Five 2022-23 Premier League Kits Which Have Grabbed Eyeballs
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