As the football season approaches its conclusion, attention is fast turning towards the summer transfer window.
Having had a mass of arrivals last summer under then-boss Sabri Lamouchi, it will not be a surprise to see Chris Hughton likely look to make his mark on the squad.
Ahead of the transfer window, this is the current Nottingham Forest contract situation.
Nottingham Forest Contract Situations As Clubs Prepare to Rebuild For Next Season
Departures Likely to Be Favoured Over Arrivals
Ahead of the new season, Chris Hughton’s first full campaign in charge, Reds fans will be hopeful that their boss will be able to make his mark on the squad.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion boss made limited changes to the roster following on from the large number of arrivals seen earlier in the season; James Garner (loan), Filip Krovinovic (loan), Glenn Murray (short-term deal) and Anthony Knockaert (loan) have been Hughton’s only arrivals.
In total nine players have their contracts up for renewal this summer, including two loanees who can have their temporary moves turned permanent. So, what is the current situation with Nottingham Forest contracts?
Nottingham Forest Contracts Expiring This Season
Abdoulaye Diallo
Having arrived in Nottingham last summer, the Senegalese shot-stopper has failed to make an appearance for the first team – his only run-outs have been as an infrequent protector of the goal for Forest’s U23s.
The 29-year-old moved to the Midlands under Lamouchi on a one-year deal but, according to NottinghamshireLive, the Reds have the option to extend that by 12 months.
With Jordan Smith still contracted to Forest beyond the summer, it will be interesting to see how Diallo’s situation develops.
Michael Hefele
It has been more than two years since Michael Hefele last pulled on the Garibaldi. His last outing was back in January 2019 and since then he has suffered time on the sidelines due to an injury.
He is a player Forest will likely have tried to shift on in recent windows; however, having failed to receive a fee, it seems likely he will now depart the City Ground for free.
Michael Dawson
At 37 years old, it seems highly unlikely that Michael Dawson would receive a new contract.
Last summer he signed a one-year extension with the Reds and he has already said he wants to finish his career on Trentside.
The central defender’s time on the pitch this season has been non-existent; he has, however, become an increasingly present character on the sidelines.
It would not be a surprise, therefore, to see his contract run out and him simultaneously step into a coaching role.
Yuri Ribeiro
Having struggled to emulate his form under Sabri Lamouchi since Hughton’s arrival, the next few weeks are vital for Ribeiro if he wants to extend his Forest stay.
He has had to fight for a place against Gaetan Bong – who Hughton knows well due to their relationship at Brighton -but has been the most used option so far this season with 23 appearances.
The defender remains a contested issue for Hughton and the dilemma over whether to offer him a new Nottingham Forest contract continues.
Samba Sow
Aged 31 it is highly possible that time is up at the City Ground for Samba Sow. Similar to Dawson and Glenn Murray, the midfielder is simply no longer the player of his prime days.
There was a time when Forest struggled without Sow. His solidity in midfield helped the Reds get points, but his fragile knee means he has been susceptible to frequent injuries in the last few months.
He also lacks a creative spark – something highlighted since the arrival of James Garner. The midfielder has admitted he wants to stay longer at the City Ground, but he needs to make a firm claim to receive any kind of extension.
Sammy Ameobi
Sammy Ameobi is different to the ordinary Championship winger. His height and physical presence means he offers something different to most wingers, but he has lacked real consistency in his performances.
Midway through March it was reported that no discussions had been made over his contract situation. It seems like he wants to stay, it is unknown whether that matches Hughton’s master plan.
Cyrus Christie (on-loan)
Since arriving at Forest, the defender has earned mixed reviews. According to NottinghamshireLive, the Reds have the option to turn his loan deal into a permanent Nottingham Forest contract.
What started with some disappointing form, the defender has really impressed Forest fans and made a strong claim to remain at the City Ground.
Luke Freeman (on-loan)
Having joined on-loan from Sheffield United at the start of the season, Forest have the option to turn his deal permanent according to NottinghamshireLive.
The midfielder joined as an exciting prospect but has failed to live up to expectations. Injuries have hampered his playing time and a return of one goal and no assists from 20 appearances has let fans down.
It is a shame as he has a good record in the Championship, but it has not been a successful time at the City Ground for Freeman.
Glenn Murray
The arrival of Glenn Murray was mostly a risk-free option. The former Brighton striker has made a handful of appearances for Forest since signing in January but has only managed to net two goals.
A quick glance at his performances suggests he should have more goals to his name this season, but an xG of 2.81 suggests he is only slightly underperforming based on the chances he has been given.
His short-term deal expires this summer and, having failed to hit the ground running, Hughton may look elsewhere for a more reliable source of goals.
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