Steve Hodge has shared his opinion on the biggest disappointment for Nottingham Forest in the 2023/24 season.
In the end, Nottingham Forest successfully avoided relegation, while the three promoted teams quickly returned to the EFL. Despite facing a four-point deduction during the season, Forest will now embark on their third consecutive season in the Premier League.
With a busy summer transfer window ahead, Forest will aim to retain their top players amid interest from other clubs. Now that the season has concluded, Steve Hodge has singled out one player who disappointed him the most from a Forest perspective.
It’s no surprise that the focus is on Forest’s record-signing, Ibrahim Sangare. Arriving on deadline day last summer after Brennan Johnson’s departure, Sangare was expected to provide stability as a genuine defensive midfielder. However, the Ivorian endured a frustrating season, prompting criticism from Hodge regarding his £30 million signing from PSV.
Hodge expressed his disappointment with Sangare’s performance on the “Shut up and Show More Football” podcast, highlighting the gap between expectations and reality. While Sangare struggled to adapt to the Premier League, Hodge emphasized the significance of the decision facing the club regarding his future.
Despite Sangare’s struggles, there’s optimism that he can still excel at Forest, with examples like Cody Gakpo at Liverpool demonstrating that adaptation takes time, especially coming from leagues like the Eredivisie. Nuno Espirito Santo faces the challenge of integrating Sangare into the team effectively, capitalizing on his strengths.
However, the decision regarding Sangare’s future remains significant for Forest, especially considering financial fair play regulations. Sangare’s potential sale could provide a financial boost for the club. The upcoming transfer window promises to be intriguing as Forest navigates these decisions.