Although it helped a little to draw 2-2 against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium yesterday Wednesday, the arrows are pointing straight down for Nottingham Forest, who have only secured two points from their last five Premier League games. – They now have equal points with West Ham down in 17th place.
If Nottingham Forest are relegated, several of their best players will disappear due to strong interest from Europe’s top clubs. After Sean Dyche was sacked a little over a month ago and replaced by Vítor Pereira, things have gone from bad to worse.
Read: Borussia Dortmund give green light for sale of Norwegian right-back Julian Ryerson to the Premier League
Nottingham Forest are going through a critical period in the crucial phase of the season. With nine league rounds left in the Premier League, the historic English club is one of the leading candidates for relegation.
With Wolves and Burnley almost certain of relegation, the battle for the third and final relegation spot has become very open. West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham and Leeds United are all involved in the game, but at the moment the team from the City Ground is one of the biggest favourites to race down to the Championship. With as many points as West Ham, every league round has been a pure final.
A relegation with million-dollar consequences
If the relegation to the English second division becomes a reality, Nottingham Forest will face an inevitable scenario: the sale of several of their key players. The club has a talented squad that would struggle to keep in the Championship.
The need to balance the accounts and adjust salary expenses would force the club to open the door to the sale of more players with a high market value. The club management is aware that top European teams would take advantage of the situation to make their moves.
Internal estimates suggest that the sale could fetch close to 350 million euros. An extraordinary sum that would reflect the quality of the squad, but also the enormous blow it would be to lose some of their most important players.
Read on F7: Roma is not alone in having Bodø/Glimt star Jens Petter Hauge on their wish list
Murillo, the name that arouses interest in Spain
Among the most valuable players, Murillo stands out. The Brazilian centre-back has established himself as one of the most promising defenders in the English league, thanks to his strength, speed and ability to play the ball out from the back line.
His profile fits perfectly into modern football and has already aroused the interest of several European giants. In Spain, both Barcelona and Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on his development. A potential relegation for Nottingham Forest could facilitate a deal that under normal circumstances would have been far more demanding.
Murillo would be one of the most attractive names on the market if the English club were relegated a division.
A talent exodus in store
Alongside the Brazilian defender, there are other players with a high profile. Elliot Anderson is one of the most exciting young midfielders in English football, and several Premier League clubs are preparing significant offers to secure his services.
Morgan Gibbs-White, one of the team’s offensive engines, also has many admirers in England. His creativity and ability to create chances make him a highly sought-after player.
In addition, there is Callum Hudson-Odoi, an experienced Chelsea winger known for his finesse on the flank, and striker Igor Jesús, another name who could leave the club if the relegation is confirmed.
Nottingham Forest face crucial weeks. The club’s place in the Premier League is at stake, but so does the future of a squad that could be subject to one of the biggest dismantlings in the coming summer’s transfer market.
