Fresh off their exhilarating 3-1 thumping of Manchester City at the City Ground, Nottingham Forest are already preparing for a high-stakes January transfer window, with head coach Oliver Glasner identifying key targets to solidify the squad’s Premier League status.
While Glasner remains laser-focused on maintaining momentum on the pitch after lifting the Reds out of the relegation zone, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis and the recruitment team are laying the groundwork for multiple winter moves.
Following a measured summer window centered around sensible investments, Forest are now ready to strike early in January, with reports confirming “concrete interest” in a dominant Championship defender alongside a high-profile £17.5 million pursuit of a South American international winger.
”Concrete Interest” in Birmingham City Defender Phil Neumann
To solve an ongoing central defensive shortage, Sky Sports Germany reports that Nottingham Forest have registered formal interest in Birmingham City center-back Phil Neumann.
The 29-year-old German defender has been a standout performer in the Championship since arriving at St. Andrew’s on a free transfer from Hannover 96 in the summer of 2025. His rapid rise in English football has seen his market valuation jump between €5-10 million (£4-8m):
- Stiff Competition: Serie A contenders Fiorentina are also actively monitoring Neumann’s situation ahead of the winter window.
- Birmingham’s Stance: Sources close to Birmingham City indicate it will take a significant, premium offer to tempt the Blues into selling their defensive cornerstone mid-season.
- Glasner’s Defensive Puzzle: While full-back Ola Aina and captain Ryan Yates can deputize at center-back, Neumann would provide natural, specialized cover to partner Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic.
£17.5m Battle for Vasco Winger Andrés Gómez
Beyond defensive reinforcements, Forest are locked in talks with Brazilian side Vasco da Gama over a potential blockbuster deal for Colombian international winger Andrés Gómez.
Reports via Sport Witness indicate that Forest have joined Premier League rivals Bournemouth and Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen in pursuit of the 24-year-old attacker, who carries a price tag in the region of €18-20m (£16-17.5m):
- Return to Europe: Gómez, who previously played for Rennes before moving to Brazil permanently earlier this year, has made it clear he intends to return to European football.
- Vasco Negotiations: With Vasco da Gama actively seeking to extend left-back Cuiabano’s loan deal from Forest and expressing interest in goalkeeper John Victor, the two clubs are uniquely positioned to execute a multi-player swap-plus-cash package.
- Tactical Integration: Although Glasner rarely utilizes traditional wide wingers in his signature 3-4-2-1 formation, Gómez’s versatility as a dynamic forward makes him an ideal replacement should Rennes target Arnaud Kalimuendo depart Trentside.
January Reality Check at Trentside
After steadying the ship with their historic victory over Manchester City, Forest’s upcoming transfer strategy will determine whether they can launch a genuine surge up the Premier League table.
If Marinakis closes deals for Neumann and Gómez, Glasner will possess the depth and tactical flexibility required to ensure Forest’s top-flight survival long before the end-of-season drama unfolds.
