In the past, Nottingham Forest has prioritized volume in the transfer market, breaking the new face’s English record in the once transfer window in 2022, but this summer focuses on quality.
Forest Scouts were clearly impressed by Botafogo’s Club World Cup campaign. They survived their side with a group that included both PSG and Atlético Madrid. Behind that campaign, Nuno Espirito Santo brought in Botafogo’s Duoigor Jesus and Jea Cunha, with defensive midfielder Danilo moving in the opposite direction. The pair plays Jesus as a striker and Jesus as the center back, reinforcing both ends of the pitch.
Their other major signature is Dan Nudoy. The versatile Swiss winger has become one of the most expensive signatures ever. Forest signing the forest was like a coup as he spent the first four years of his career with a club connected to Manchester United’s target and United’s new minority shareholder, Ir Jim Ratcliffe.
They have made two major offensive signatures in Ndoye and Jesus, but it doesn’t seem to be happening there. The club lost Anthony Elanga to Newcastle early in the window and missed Champions League qualifiers when Chris Wood’s goal was exhausted at the end of the season, so another attacker might be needed to secure a strong finish for this year’s campaign.
Forest pushing Hutchinson
Athletic David Ornshen revealed that the forest attempted to deepen their attack numbers even further by adding Omali Hutchinson to their ranks. Hutchinson was demoted from the Premier League last season and has attracted interest from several top flight clubs.
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has placed a £35 million bid that was rejected by Ipswich. If Forest wants to secure Hutchinson’s signature, it seems they may need to sign him to the club’s records.
Brentford also approached early in the window, so the Reds aren’t the first Premier League side to show interest in Hutchinson.
Earlier last season, Hutchinson was only £6,000 a week, making him not only one of the lowest-paid players on the Ipswich team, but also made him throughout the league. This is less than any main main held at the same points as last season, so Hutchinson’s movements are almost certain to see a significant increase in stars under 21.
Why Hutchinson is a “special talent”
Hutchinson first hit the radar of many football fans when he was at Chelsea Academy, where he was considered a “special talent.”
What makes Hutchinson so special when compared to players with similar profiles is his success rate despite limited opportunities on the poor Ipswich side.
Attack Midfielders League Statistics 2024/25 Campaign | |||
Hutchinson | Garnacho | Cherki | |
Total shot | 45 | 84 | 45 |
Photographed on the target | 40% | 34.5% | 42.2% |
Short pass completed | 88.5% | 88.4% | 89.5% |
Medium pass completed | 83.5% | 82.1% | 82.3% |
Statistics from fbref | |||
Hutchinson’s statistics look even more impressive considering Hutchinson played on the low-quality side that was relegated and Rayan Cherki and Alejandro Garnacho played on teams that reached the latter stage of the Europa League. Furthermore, Cherki narrowly surpasses Hutchinson in several areas, but the League 1 standard is lower than the Premier League standard.
Hutchinson’s short to medium-range pass completion (he operates primarily as an attacking midfielder) shows he is calming under pressure that ensures he holds the ball. Comparing his shot to Garnacho shows Hutchinson showing more compassion for the ball and maturity to know when to film and when to pass.
Hutchinson’s group against the ball should boost his offensive teammates, leading them to receive better quality passes and avoid unnecessary sales. With all of these skills from just 21 years ago, it’s clear why Nuno and Marinakis are driving this deal.
