Nottingham Forest are in the market for a left-back this summer after Martin O’Neill failed to replace Danny Fox in January, but the Reds may not have a lot of money to spend on a new face. Forest were linked with a move for Jake Bidwell in the past and should consider returning for the 26-year-old as he’ll be available on a free transfer.
Bidwell was recently released by Queens Park Rangers after three years at Loftus Road. He made 130 appearances in all competitions for the Championship outfit and might be a good addition to the squad. O’Neill has Jack Robinson and Ben Osborn who can operate at left-back, but the pair could be given different roles in 2019/20 – Robinson at centre-back & Osborn in midfield.
It’s hard to see Forest finishing in the top-six of the Championship next season as their transfer policy could be too restrictive. Sammy Ameobi was their first signing of the summer and was a free transfer from Bolton Wanderers. He could be one of many out-of-contract players brought in which doesn’t bode well for their promotion hopes.
Nevertheless, Bidwell wouldn’t be a bad acquisition. He was a regular in his final season at QPR, making 40 Championship appearances and making four assists. He created 40 chances, boasted a 55% dribble success rate, won 89 aerial duels (54%) and averaged 27 passes-per-game with 67% accuracy.
Bidwell blocked 50 shots/passes/crosses, made 116 clearances, whipped in 131 crosses with 30% accuracy and averaged a tackle (39) or interception (34) every 48 minutes. He’s arguably one of the better left-backs Forest can get without much of a transfer budget.