Nottingham Forest aren’t expected to spend a lot of money this summer based on the players they’re being linked with, but the Reds have found a way to sign transfer targets for a cut-price fee – identify those with only one year left on their deals and force the selling club to cash in for cheap rather than risk losing the player for nothing in 2020.
It seems to be their plan for signing Massimo Luongo, with the Queens Park Rangers midfielder having only 12 months remaining on his contract at Loftus Road. Whether they’re successful landing his signature remains to be seen, but it’s clear what Forest’s gameplan is to save money this summer.
The Reds need a left-back, right-back, centre-midfielder, winger and striker to stand a chance of a top-six finish next season, so it’s imperative they get value money for the players they sign. Martin O’Neill has been linked with free agents and loanees, but he could bring in better talent by capitalising on expiring contracts.
The one problem Forest have is an uncertain objective for 2019/20. O’Neill was tasked with promotion upon his arrival in January, but it’s hard to see the Reds coming close next season with their restrictive transfer policy.
