Nottingham Forest are approaching a defining period in their season, with the next fortnight set to determine their trajectory both on the pitch and in their boardroom negotiations.
The Reds find themselves in a unique position where they are balancing the pursuit of automatic qualification for the Europa League knockout stages against a demanding slate of Premier League fixtures. With the club currently fighting to climb the domestic table, every point and every cup result carries immense weight for the remainder of the campaign.
However, the action isn’t just limited to the grass at the City Ground. With the January transfer window still open, manager Sean Dyche has a narrow window of opportunity to collaborate with the club’s hierarchy to secure several key targets. These potential arrivals are seen as essential reinforcements to bolster a squad that has shown gaps in quality during the first half of the season.
Despite the urgent need for fresh faces, Forest have yet to finalize a single senior signing with just over a week left before the deadline. Given their precarious league standing, the pressure is mounting on the recruitment team to deliver. There is a growing sense of anticipation among the fanbase that a flurry of activity is imminent, especially with reports suggesting a primary target has already submitted a formal transfer request to force a move to the East Midlands this winter.
Why Olivera would be perfect for Lucca at Nottingham Forest
Over the past week, the Reds have been heavily linked with Napoli forward Lorenzo Lucca. While the pursuit has been persistent, the potential deal has divided opinion among supporters. The 25-year-old’s output has been a point of contention, as he has managed to find the back of the net only once in Serie A during the 2025/26 campaign. Nevertheless, those in favor of the move point to his pre-Naples form as evidence of his inherent goal-scoring instincts.
During his previous stint with Udinese, the Italian international bagged 12 goals, a performance that earned him a high-profile move to Antonio Conte’s Napoli. While he has struggled to replicate those numbers this term, his physical profile—specifically his massive 6’7” frame—makes him a tailor-made option for Dyche’s tactical blueprint. Currently, Forest lack an aerially dominant presence in the box, and Lucca’s ability to win headers could provide a much-needed focal point for their attack.
Last season, nearly half of Lucca’s league goals were headers, proving his effectiveness in the air. However, for a player of his style to thrive in the Premier League, he requires consistent, high-quality service from the flanks.
This is precisely why a move for Mathias Olivera is being viewed as the perfect accompaniment to Lucca. The Uruguayan already shares a strong on-field rapport with the striker from their time together in Italy, which could drastically shorten the adaptation period for both players.
Though primarily a left-back, the 28-year-old Olivera is renowned for his offensive contributions. This season, he has recorded an exceptional 80% success rate with his crosses and maintains an 87% passing accuracy. These statistics suggest he possesses the technical refinement to provide the “ammunition” Lucca needs to win over the City Ground faithful and help the club maintain its top-flight status.
Olivera’s game is far from one-dimensional; he averages 0.9 chances created per 90 minutes and has a 33% success rate in take-ons, highlighting his ability to drive the team forward. Defensively, he is equally robust, winning 2.9 tackles and making 1.1 interceptions per 90. His dominance in duels—winning 66% on the ground and 56% in the air—would finally provide Forest with the stability at left-back that has eluded them for years.
Ultimately, the existing partnership between Olivera and Lucca could be the secret weapon Dyche needs. With survival being the non-negotiable goal for the manager by May, the arrival of this Napoli duo could provide the vital boost required to navigate the challenging months ahead.
