In a bid to fortify their attacking options for the final stretch of the 2025/26 season, Nottingham Forest remains active in the transfer market despite the recent arrival of Lorenzo Lucca from Napoli. Manager Sean Dyche is reportedly intent on further strengthening the frontline to ensure the club has sufficient firepower.
The Pursuit of Mateta
The primary target for the Reds appears to be Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta. The Frenchman has established himself as a reliable Premier League goalscorer over the last two and a half years, making him the ideal candidate for Dyche’s system. However, prying him away from Selhurst Park before the deadline is expected to be a complicated and expensive negotiation.
Evan Ferguson as a Potential Alternative
Should the pursuit of Mateta falter, transfer expert Alex Crook suggests that Forest has identified Brighton’s Evan Ferguson as a contingency plan. The young Republic of Ireland international is currently on loan at Roma, but the move hasn’t gone according to plan.
- Current Form: In 16 appearances for the Italian side, Ferguson has managed three goals and two assists.
- Lack of Minutes: A struggle for consistent starts in Rome has led to speculation that Brighton might recall him this month to find a more suitable destination.
- Premier League Experience: While he showed immense early promise at Brighton, his goal-scoring output dipped significantly toward the end of his previous stint in England.
Analysis: Quality vs. Risk
While Ferguson has been praised for his “quality” in the past, there is a growing sentiment that shifting focus from Mateta to the 21-year-old Irishman would represent a significant step down.
The Verdict: Mateta is viewed as a proven, high-impact veteran who knows how to navigate the English top flight. In contrast, signing Ferguson at this stage of the window could be perceived by the fanbase as a “panic buy,” given his recent struggles for form and regular playing time.
With a striking department that already includes Igor Jesus, Taiwo Awoniyi, and the newly signed Lucca, Forest isn’t desperate for sheer numbers. The consensus is that while Mateta would provide a genuine upgrade, Ferguson remains a gamble that may not offer the immediate reliability Dyche requires for the relegation scrap or mid-table push.
