Nottingham Forest’s incredible rise under Nuno Espírito Santo has transformed the mood around the City Ground, but if the club truly wants to establish itself among the Premier League’s elite and push toward European football again next season, major attacking reinforcements will be needed this summer.
One player who could completely elevate Forest’s frontline is West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville.
The Dutch attacker has endured a frustrating campaign at times following West Ham’s difficult season, but there is still enormous belief around his talent and long-term potential. Even during difficult moments, Summerville has shown flashes of the explosive quality that once made him one of the Championship’s most feared forwards during his time at Leeds United.
At his best, Summerville offers exactly the type of attacking unpredictability Nottingham Forest currently lacks in key moments.
His pace, direct dribbling, movement in one-vs-one situations, and ability to attack defenders aggressively would add another dangerous dimension to Forest’s attack. Nuno’s system thrives when his wide players can stretch defenses, break quickly in transition, and create chaos in open spaces — and that is precisely where Summerville is most dangerous.
Forest showed this season that they are capable of competing with some of England’s biggest clubs, but there were also moments where the squad lacked creativity and composure in the final third. Too often, pressure fell heavily on Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi to provide attacking inspiration.
Adding a player like Summerville would immediately reduce that burden.
The 24-year-old possesses the confidence and fearlessness needed to change games individually. Defenders hate facing players willing to run directly at them repeatedly, and Summerville’s aggressive style forces teams backward. His ability to win fouls, create overloads, and exploit spaces behind defensive lines could make him a nightmare weapon at the City Ground.
There is also a deeper emotional angle to this potential transfer.
After suffering relegation with West Ham, Summerville may now be searching for a fresh challenge that allows him to continue playing at the highest level possible. Nottingham Forest’s growing ambition, passionate fanbase, and upward trajectory could make them an extremely attractive destination.
For Forest supporters, this would represent more than just another signing.
It would signal intent.
Signing a player with Summerville’s profile — especially ahead of rival clubs — would show the rest of the Premier League that Forest are serious about building a squad capable of challenging for European qualification consistently rather than simply surviving.
And perhaps most importantly, Summerville still has room to grow.
Under the right manager and in a confident attacking system, there is every chance he could rediscover the devastating form that once terrorized defenses across English football. Nuno has already shown he can improve attacking players dramatically, and Forest’s style may suit Summerville far more naturally than the environment he experienced during West Ham’s struggles.
The opportunity is there.
But Forest may need to act quickly.
If they hesitate too long, bigger clubs across Europe could easily enter the conversation — and once that happens, completing a deal becomes far more difficult. For Nottingham Forest, this could be one of the smartest and most exciting moves of the summer window.
