Watch out Wood: Nottingham Forest could land their own Gyokeres in £35m ace

Nobody could have anticipated Nottingham Forest’s stellar start to the 2024–25 Premier League season, as they currently sit in third position after 20 games.With just four losses under Nuno Espírito Santo’s leadership, the Reds are now only six points behind league leaders Liverpool more than halfway through the season.

Defense stability has been the foundation of the counterattacking strategy, and their recent success can be attributed in large part to the goalie and a stable back four.Together with goalkeeper Matz Sels, Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo have established a powerful center-back tandem. With nine clean sheets, they lead all teams in the first tier of England, which is inconceivable considering their defensive problems in 2023–2024. Their unthinkable league place has also been a result of their assault, with one man in particular surpassing all expectations in front of goal in recent months.

Chris Wood’s Forest form for 2024-2025

When New Zealand international Chris Wood arrived on loan from Newcastle United in January 2023 with a £15 million buyout clause, he was viewed as an undesirable addition because he had only scored five goals for the Magpies.However, in the two years after his permanent transfer, the 32-year-old has scored 27 goals in 55 games, making him well worth their investment.With 12 goals in just 20 games, or 41% of the Reds’ total goals, 2024–2025 has perhaps been his best season in the top flight to date, underscoring his value to the team.

With players like Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Elanga, and Callum Hudson-Odoi on the counter in Nuno’s side, his instinctive style in and around the box has made him ideal. However, considering his age and current contract status, the team may consider other options during the January transfer window, such as a player who might be their own take on one of Europe’s top goal scorers.

The athlete who might be Forest’s Gyokeres

Since moving to Portugal in 2023, Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres has drawn attention. Since arriving from Coventry City, he has scored 73 goals in 79 games. With 30 goals in just 29 games this season, including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League, the Swedish international has amassed an incredible goal total. Despite Forest’s recent success in the Premier League, they would not be able to afford Gyokeres’ €100 million (£83.6 million) release clause in his current contract. Every team must wish they had a clinical goal scorer like Gyokeres.

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