Priority positions for Nottingham Forest to address in transfer window as retained list announced

Nottingham Forest have made a start on shaping their squad for the upcoming Premier League season with the publication of their retained list.

Three senior players have been released, in Tobias Figueiredo, Gaetan Bong and Carl Jenkinson, while the club are in talks with Lewis Grabban about a new deal. Loanees Max Lowe (Sheffield United), Djed Spence (Middlesbrough), James Garner (Manchester United), Philip Zinckernagel (Watford) and Keinan Davis (Aston Villa) have all returned to their parent clubs.

The Reds have until 11pm on Thursday, September 1 to get their transfer business done. And the announcement of which players have been let go leaves a clearer indication of the work which needs to be done.

Brice Samba (until 2023), Ethan Horvath (2024), Jordan Smith (2023).

That depends on how Samba’s contract situation pans out. The Reds could do with clarity one way or another as soon as possible, so they know whether a replacement is needed.

The 28-year-old is said to have deemed the offer of fresh terms “unacceptable” and indicated he is prepared to leave this summer. If a resolution cannot be found, the Reds could face having to cash in, rather than see him walk away as a free agent next year.

Joe Worrall (2024), Scott McKenna (2024), Steve Cook (2024), Loic Mbe Soh (2024), Jonathan Panzo (2025).

With Figueiredo departing, bringing in another central defender makes sense. Mbe Soh and Panzo would perhaps benefit from loan moves if their opportunities for game time are going to be limited on Trentside.

Nicholas Ioannou (2024), Mohamed Drager (unconfirmed), Richie Laryea (2025).

An area of the pitch which certainly needs addressing. Loanees Lowe and Spence were firm fixtures in the starting XI. If a return for either or