No Champions League, but undoubtedly an enormously successful season has come to a close for Nottingham Forest.
No one expected Nuno Espirito Santo’s side to challenge the big boys this campaign – outside the club, that is – and yet for the majority of it they were in the top three, only to suffer a late slip and end up seventh.
The Europa Conference League beckons in Forest’s first European trip for 30 years, and a huge summer is ahead of them as they look to back up their breakthrough season.
Here, our Forest expert TOM COLLOMOSSE answers all the key questions for Forest’s summer transfer window.
No Champions League, but undoubtedly an enormously successful season has come to a close for Nottingham Forest
Winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has been one of the star men of Forest’s brilliant campaign
What do Forest need this summer?
A bigger squad to cope with the challenge of European football, which hampered the likes of Aston Villa and Newcastle in recent seasons.
More options are needed in attack, both through the middle and in wide areas. Can Chris Wood be expected to reproduce his 20-goal season, the first by a Forest player in the top flight since Stan Collymore three decades ago?
They could also do with a top-class No 6 as well as cover at full back and centre back.
How big is their budget and is PSR a major concern?
Without Champions League football, Forest must regulate their work in the market but proceeds from player sales will still be reinvested in the squad as they try to ensure they can compete on multiple fronts.
While they must always keep an eye on profit and sustainability rules (PSR), Forest do not have to sell before June 30 to comply.
Who are they interested in?
Forest tried to sign Yoane Wissa from Brentford in January and it would be no surprise if they moved again for the attacker
Keep an eye on Emanuel Emegha, the highly rated Strasbourg forward who scored 14 goals in 27 Ligue 1 appearances this season
The arrival of Edu, working across Evangelos Marinakis’ clubs, will strengthen ties to the Brazilian market and could bring Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz (centre) into the equation
Forest tried to sign Yoane Wissa from Brentford in January and it would be no surprise if they moved again for the attacker, who can play both wide and through the middle. Wissa scored 19 non-penalty goals in the Premier League this season, which was level with Erling Halaand and Alexander Isak, and behind only Mohamed Salah’s 20.
The arrival of Edu, working across Evangelos Marinakis’ clubs, will strengthen ties to the Brazilian market and could bring Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz into the equation.
Manchester City playmaker James McAtee, who has struggled for game time at the Etihad Stadium, is another they admire.
Keep an eye on Emanuel Emegha, the highly-rated Strasbourg forward who scored 14 goals in 27 Ligue 1 appearances this season, who fits Forest’s model of signing promising youngsters with resale value.
Which young players could break out next season to fill gaps in the first-team squad?
Centre back Zach Abbott, 19, played commendably in the FA Cup semi-final defeat by City and should have more opportunities next term.
Joel Ndala, 18, is an exciting forward whose loan move from City should become permanent this summer, despite not featuring for Forest’s first team since joining in February.
Tyler Bindon is another highly regarded talent and the 20-year-old New Zealand defender will be assessed in pre-season after his move from Reading. He was named the League One club’s player of the season and helped them to seventh place despite a raft of financial issues at the club.
Centre back Zach Abbott, 19, played commendably in the FA Cup semi-final defeat by City and should have more opportunities next term
Star man Morgan Gibbs-White should move to Manchester City for a club-record fee
Which players are set to leave?
Morgan Gibbs-White should move to Manchester City for a club-record fee after a sterling three seasons at the City Ground.
Long-time Newcastle target Elanga will again attract interest though Forest do not have to sell and the same is true for Brazilian defender Murillo, who has been targeted by Real Madrid – though they have just spent £50million on Bournemouth centre back Dean Huijsen.
Alex Moreno will return to Aston Villa after his loan spell and fringe players Danilo, Ramon Sosa, Harry Toffolo and Willy Boly could all depart.
