“Nottingham Forest’s Costly Transfer Missteps: Contract Blunders, Samba Letdown, Striker Exit”

Nottingham Forest’s strong start to the Premier League season reflects a productive summer transfer window. Thoughtful recruitment and retaining key players have given Nuno Espirito Santo’s side a solid base to build on this season.

However, Forest’s transfer moves haven’t always gone smoothly. From hasty departures to missed signings, here are some of their biggest transfer regrets.

Letting Samba Go
When Brice Samba departed in 2022 after declining a new contract, Forest had little choice but to part ways. Losing the fan-favorite surprised many, and replacing him has been challenging, with a rotation of goalkeepers over the last two years. Samba even returned to watch Forest’s recent win over Crystal Palace, sparking rumors of a potential comeback. For now, Matz Sels is proving dependable in goal.

Losing Lewis Grabban
While the club hoped to keep Lewis Grabban after their promotion, contract talks fell through, and he eventually joined Al Ahli. Although he might not have started every game in the Premier League, his experience and knack for scoring would have been valuable. Grabban has since returned to Forest in an academy role, but his absence was felt in the locker room.

Contract Conundrum
Transfer flops are inevitable, and Forest’s signing of Harry Arter in 2020 didn’t pan out. The mistake was a clause that extended his contract upon promotion, keeping him on the books for another year despite not being in the squad.

Missed Quintet
James Garner, Djed Spence, Keinan Davis, Philip Zinckernagel, and Max Lowe were crucial to Forest’s 2021/22 promotion. Yet, none re-signed with the club, adding to Forest’s extensive squad rebuild. Although not retaining them has pros and cons, their departures left gaps that needed filling.

Selling Assombalonga
Forest made a profit selling Britt Assombalonga to Middlesbrough in 2017 for £15 million, though some fans questioned the sale of such a natural scorer. While the decision wasn’t popular, Assombalonga’s desire to leave left the club with little choice. He has since played for several teams, but fans still remember his impact at Forest.