Are Nottingham Forest continuing to be busy in the transfer market ahead of the Premier League opening match against Brentford on Sunday?
So far, the Garibaldi Reds have signed goalkeeper Angus Gunn from Botafogo, Brazilian Duogor Jesus and Jea Cunya, and more recently, Bologna native Winger Dan Nudoi has cost the reported £34 million.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team, who finished seventh last season, is preparing for a European campaign. For forests to compete on the continent for the first time in 30 years, meaning the depth of the squad is important.
Nottingham Forest is targeting mid-range reinforcements
Despite making four new additions, the best business Nottingham Forest has done this summer is undoubtedly maintaining Morgan Gibbs White.
The 25-year-old seemed destined to leave when Tottenham caused a £60 million release clause, but the Spurs were ultimately left “unworn” when the midfielder signed a new three-year deal instead.
This is a statement of serious intentions from the forest and can protect the best players, so will they now strengthen their midfield options to get the best from Gibbs White?
Well, it’s possible that another top midfielder will head to Nottingham amid stories of them trying to sign James McAtee from Manchester City.
According to a TeamTalk report, Nottingham Forest has “plotted” the move to sign Yunusmusa from AC Milan, adding that it is “considering a bid” for around £22 million.
Rossoneri has reappointed Massimiliano Alegri as head coach following a devastating campaign that ended up in eighth place in Serie A this summer, followed by a devastating campaign that failed to qualify for European competition.
During IL Diavolo’s pre-season Asian tour last month, newly hired sports director Igli Tare said, “I think Musah is a great player, but I’m looking for a profile with the characteristics that fit the (Allegri) project.”
So, the 22-year-old could quickly trade San Siro to the city grounds?
What Nottingham Forest Fans Should Look For Yunus Musa
Born in New York City, Musa’s family moved to London when she was just nine years old, then spent seven years at Arsenal’s Hale End Academy before moving to Valencia at the age of 16.
After starting with the Los Murciélagos ‘B team, he made his senior debut a year after his arrival, making 108 appearances for Los Che.
His performance attracted the attention of AC Milan, joining the Italian giants with a £17 million reporting fee for two summers, featuring 80 times over Rossoneri’s two seasons, but he didn’t just start a 19 Serie A match in the final round.
Musa also won 47 caps in the US, but his importance has diminished since the appointment of Mauricio Pockettino last year. Total soccer show Taylor Rockwell points out that if you have realistic hopes of being a key figure in the World Cup, you need to start the game regularly at the club level.
Well, only 22 years old, Musa can certainly do so at a high level, with athletic Greg O’Keefe labeling him “an exciting midfield talent.”
Okka’s “Analyst Robbie Dunn claims he is “very talented” and can carry out instructions, and that he often shunts him despite the fact that the coach is best utilized in the centre by making his “great strength” into ball carry, as he can “quickly cover the ground.”
Meanwhile, full football analysis Mario Husseros Jr. points out that he was given a license to “get closer to the defenders to help build up” because he could be seen across the pitch when influence unfolds in a central role.
This certainly sounds like Musa is the hardworking, hardworking type of defensive midfielder who can make the most of Gibbs White, so let’s compare the stats from last season.
Gibbs White vs Musa 2024/25 comparison | ||
---|---|---|
statistics | Gibbs White | Moses |
exterior | 38 | 40 |
Min | 3,142 | 2,237 |
the goal | 7 | zero |
assist | 10 | 3 |
All statistics below are available every 90. | ||
shot | 1.6 | 1 |
Possibility of being created | 1.6 | 1.4 |
A big opportunity has been created | 0.32 | 0.17 |
Shot creation action | 3.69 | 2.50 |
Goal Creation Action | 0.61 | 0.18 |
Pass completed % | 81% | 89% |
Tackle | 1.4 | 1.6 |
Ball recovery | 4.1 | 3.5 |
touch | 55.5 | 53.9 |
Statistics from TransferMarkt, Fbref, Squawka, and Sofascore. |
First and foremost, the Table highlights Musah’s lack of importance at AC Milan, considering he made two more appearances than Gibbs White in all competitions last season, but accumulated almost 1,000 minutes less.
In addition to this, the table outlines why the duo can form a great partnership in the middle.
England International is the creator of the Chief, so his numbers are all exponentially high in terms of goals, assists, shots and opportunities created.
Meanwhile, Americans are safer in possession, completing a higher percentage of passes and listing better defenses, particularly in terms of tackles.
At the base in the middle of Nottingham Forest, there is a place to grab along with Elliot Anderson. So Musa can become a man in that position, with Gibbs White deployed as No. 10 and thriving for Nuno’s team.