Nottingham Forest have a number of players whose contracts are due to expire in the summer of 2025
Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has been the subject of transfer speculation again as the January transfer window approaches.
Serie A sides Roma and AC Milan are said to be eyeing up the Reds full-back. Reports from Italy suggest Aina would be a “popular” transfer option for both clubs as his Forest contract is due to expire in the summer.
Aina is not the only Reds player who is due to become a free agent at the end of the season, as things stand. Below, we give our verdict on the future of those players with deals set to come to an end in 2025.
Only last month, it emerged Forest were keen to tie the Nigeria international down to a long-term deal. The latest round of transfer gossip should act as a spur to get it done.
Aina has become a key player for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. Having a settled back four has contributed to a strong start to the season, and the 28-year-old has played his part in that. Verdict: New deal.
Willy Boly
The Reds agreed a new one-year deal with the defender in the summer. However, they hold an option to extend those terms by a further 12 months, which would keep him at the City Ground until 2026.
Boly finds himself out of the starting XI at present, and has his work cut out to get back in as Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo have developed a solid partnership. He remains a big presence in the dressing room and a good option to have, though. Verdict: Jury’s out.
Harry Toffolo
A popular member of the squad, both with his teammates and with supporters, but game time is proving hard to come by at present. Aston Villa loanee Alex Moreno has made the left-back spot his own since coming into the side.
Toffolo has generally been a reliable performer when called upon. But at some point, Forest will have a few decisions to make about their left-back situation as they hold an option to sign Moreno permanently and still have Omar Richards on the books. Verdict: Summer exit.
Chris Wood
Not so long ago, it wouldn’t have come as a surprise to see the striker depart at the end of his deal. But now reports have suggested a new contract could be in the offing.
Such is Wood’s form, retaining his services now looks like being a wise decision. He is in great form and Nuno certainly knows how to get the best out of him. Verdict: New deal.
Alex Moreno
It is still early days in the Villa man’s loan spell but he has made a positive impression so far. He seems to have quickly settled in Trentside and has said he is happy at the club.
As mentioned above, left-back is an area Forest will surely assess come the summer. By then, they will have a better idea of whether trying to sign Moreno permanently would be a good bit of business. Verdict: Jury’s out.
James Ward-Prowse
The West Ham United loanee put pen to paper on deadline day on a straight loan deal. Nuno has praised his set-piece prowess and the experience he has brought to the squad.
There is no doubt Ward-Prowse is a quality player but he is yet to really make his mark in the Garibaldi. Nevertheless, he has ensured Nuno has some good options in midfield, even with Danilo and Ibrahim Sangare sidelined.Verdict: Summer exit.
Jonathan Panzo
Currently on a season-long loan at another member of the Evangelos Marinakis stable of clubs, Rio Ave. It is difficult to see a future for the defender Trentside.
At 23, Panzo is still relatively young, but he needs to be playing regularly. That isn’t going to happen at Forest given he has featured just once for the Reds since signing in January 2022. Verdict: Summer exit.
