The January transfer window is famously unpredictable, but if there is one constant in English football, it is that Nottingham Forest will rarely let a deadline pass without making their presence felt.
The club has developed a reputation for being one of the most active participants in the market, often overhauling their squad in a quest for Premier League stability. As the February 2nd deadline draws near, speculation is reaching a fever pitch.
To cut through the noise, we decided to look at a series of intriguing predictions regarding who might arrive at the City Ground and who might be heading for the exit. These projections suggest a window defined by tactical loans and high-value reinforcements, reflecting a more budget-conscious but ambitious approach from the Forest hierarchy.
One of the most concrete predictions involves the arrival of a new powerhouse to lead the line. Negotiations are reportedly reaching a successful conclusion for Napoli’s towering striker, Lorenzo Lucca.
The deal is expected to be a loan-to-buy arrangement, with the final permanent transfer fee totaling roughly £30 million. Lucca has been a name on the lips of many scouts across Europe, valued for his physical presence and his ability to provide a different dimension to an attack.
Given that various press reports have already hinted at this move, it feels like one of the “safer” bets for the final week of the window.
| Predicted Inward Transfers | Player | Parent Club | Deal Type |
| Striker | Lorenzo Lucca | Napoli | Loan to Buy (£30m) |
| Left-Back | Kostas Tsimikas | Liverpool | Straight Loan |
| Midfielder | Joe Willock | Newcastle United | Loan (No Obligation) |
The defensive line is also set for a significant shake-up. With Oleksandr Zinchenko’s time at the club coming to an end, Forest is reportedly looking toward Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas as the ideal replacement.
Tsimikas finds himself in a complicated situation; currently on loan at AS Roma, there is growing talk that his stay in Italy will be terminated early to facilitate a move back to the Premier League.
A straight loan deal without an obligation to buy would offer Forest a high-quality, experienced left-back while maintaining financial flexibility. This move aligns with recent reports from major outlets, suggesting that the club is prioritizing proven Premier League experience to shore up their defense.
Perhaps the most fascinating projection is the potential signing of Newcastle United’s Joe Willock. While many transfer rumors are recycled through the media, the link between Willock and Nottingham Forest feels like a fresh perspective.
Willock has found his starting opportunities limited at St. James’ Park following the meteoric rise of young talent Lewis Miley. A loan move to the City Ground would offer the midfielder a chance to rediscover the goal-scoring form that made him a fan favorite on Tyneside.
By targeting Willock on a loan with a low initial fee, Forest would be adding dynamic energy to their midfield without the long-term risk of a permanent contract during the restrictive winter window.
Of course, a busy window of arrivals necessitates some departures to balance the squad and the books. Several high-profile names are predicted to leave the City Ground before the deadline.
James McAtee, who joined with high expectations after a stellar summer with the England Under-21s, has struggled to find his footing at Forest. A loan move to Porto, reportedly including a £30 million option to buy, could be the perfect solution for all parties.
Such a deal would allow McAtee to develop in a top European league while ensuring Forest recoups its initial investment if the move becomes permanent.
Similarly, the experiment with Douglas Luiz appears to be nearing its conclusion. Currently on loan from Juventus, it is predicted that his stay at Forest will be cut short, much like Zinchenko’s, allowing him to return to his former club, Aston Villa.
This would be an emotional return for the Brazilian and would free up significant space on the Forest wage bill. Finally, the club may say a temporary goodbye to Taiwo Awoniyi. The Nigerian forward is linked with a loan move to Bundesliga side Mainz, a deal that would include an option for the German club to purchase him in the summer.
Awoniyi has been a loyal servant, but a move back to Germany might offer him the regular starts he needs to regain his peak physical condition.
The overall picture of this predicted window is one of pragmatism. Rather than the scattergun approach of previous seasons, Nottingham Forest appears to be targeting specific gaps with temporary solutions that can be evaluated in the summer.
If these deals particularly the surprising move for Joe Willock actually come to fruition, it will prove that the club’s recruitment team is still capable of finding value in a very difficult market. As the clock ticks down, fans will be watching the skies over the East Midlands, waiting to see which of these predictions turn into official club announcements.
