What a turnaround. Less than two years ago Nottingham Forest were under attack across the league for their scattergun transfer policy, with 32 players coming in either permanently or on loan in their first season back in the top flight.
Now look at them – one of the shrewdest buyers in the Premier League and the vast majority of their acquisitions paying off.
Flying wingers Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga were cast-offs from Big Six clubs for a combined £18million, Chris Wood a further £15m before becoming one of the most lethal strikers in the division and centre back pairing Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic have been inspired signings.
So Forest fans, who entered the new year supporting the second-best team in the land, can barely even remember the days of Serge Aurier, Jesse Lingard or Hwang Ui-jo. Emmanuel Dennis, anyone?
This January, their push for reinforcements comes with a genuine shot at claiming a Champions League place – fifth might be enough this season and Forest hold a six-point cushion to sixth-placed Manchester City – take a moment to read that again.
Here, as part of our series looking at Premier League clubs’ January plans, our Forest expert Tom Collomosse answers the five big questions.
Nottingham Forest start the calendar year flying high in second in the Premier League table
Forest have become shrewd in the market with Nikola Milenkovic among their inspired signings
Nuno Espirito Santo could push for reinforcements to aid an unlikely Champions League push
1. What do Forest need?
Reliable back-up for Chris Wood. While Taiwo Awoniyi has shown he is a Premier League-quality forward, he cannot be relied upon to stay injury-free for long periods.
Forest’s squad is pretty well covered in all areas apart from that, although they would ideally love a proven deputy for goalkeeper Matz Sels, who has quietly been one of the best in the league this term.
2. Do they have money to spend?
Forest are in a similar position to numerous clubs.
While they do not have immediate worries about complying with spending rules, they always have to keep an eye on profit and sustainability rules and that means they cannot spend freely next month – or if they do so, they will also have to sell.
Forest could to with quality back up in attack with Taiwo Awoniyi struggling to stay injury free
A proven deputy for goalkeeper Matz Sels is an area Forest would ideally like to explore
3. Which players are they interested in?
This is a new Nottingham Forest. In the early windows after they returned to the Premier League, Forest would target numerous players, often with little preparation. Remember, for example, the deals for Andre Ayew and Divock Origi.
Boss Nuno Espirito Santo is desperate that nothing should disrupt the squad harmony he has worked so hard to build.
Keep an eye on the Brazilian market, though, where Forest have increasingly strong links. Fluminense forward Kaua Elias is a name on the radar of plenty of European clubs.
Fluminense’s Kaua Elias could be a player to watch as Forest keep track the Brazilian market
4. Who might leave?
Forest will listen to offers for Awoniyi if they can secure a replacement of similar ability.
Andrew Omabamidele played the early matches under Nuno but has seen little action this year and could be allowed to move on, along with fellow defenders Willy Boly and Harry Toffolo.
Yet even those who do not play regularly can contribute effectively to the squad environment and Nuno does not want to upset that delicate balance.
5. What unexpected moves should fans keep an eye on?
The elephant in the room at Forest right now is Wood’s contract. From January 1, the forward can agree a move to an overseas club for a free transfer.
Both player and club are keen to extend the contract but the original offer was just one year, with Wood seeking at least two.
Playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White has also yet to agree a new contract and though it is highly unlikely any key player will be sold this month, any bids could pave the way for further discussions in the summer.
Chris Wood’s contract is the elephant in the room, with his current deal expiring in the summer
Morgan Gibbs-White is yet to agree a new deal, but key players are unlikely to leave this month
