Although January was a relatively quiet month for Nottingham Forest, the club managed to secure crucial contract extensions for two of their key players, marking a significant move in their ongoing ambitions.
There were no extravagant signings during the winter transfer window, with young defender Tyler Bindon being the sole new arrival. However, he was immediately loaned back to Reading, meaning his stay at Forest was brief. Despite this, the new contracts for striker Chris Wood and central defender Murillo could be seen as a clear statement of intent by the club, underlining their desire to build stability and continuity within their squad.
Chris Wood, whose contract was set to expire at the end of the current season, has now committed his future to the club, signing an extension that will keep him at the City Ground until 2027. Meanwhile, Murillo, whose previous deal was set to run until 2028, has also agreed to a new contract, extending his stay until 2029. These moves suggest that Forest are focused on long-term planning and securing their most influential players for the foreseeable future.
Looking ahead, the summer transfer window will bring further decisions regarding the contracts of several other key players. NottinghamshireLive provides insight into those whose contracts are nearing their end, and offers a glimpse into what could lie ahead for these individuals.
Wayne Hennessey
Aside from the addition of Bindon, Nottingham Forest’s only other transaction during the winter window was the re-signing of backup goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey. The Welsh international signed a short-term deal to remain at the club for the time being. Hennessey, who has proven to be an invaluable figure in the squad, especially in the goalkeeping unit, is a seasoned professional who offers experience and leadership in the locker room. Should he stay beyond his current contract, it seems more likely that he would transition into a coaching role, given his age and the growing role of younger goalkeepers within the squad.
Ola Aina
Ola Aina’s contract, which was due to expire in the summer, includes an automatic one-year extension. However, Forest have engaged in discussions with the player about securing a longer deal. Nuno Espirito Santo, the team’s head coach, has expressed confidence that the situation will be resolved positively, and Aina himself has shown a strong desire to remain with the club. While negotiations have dragged on for some time, the club will likely aim to conclude this matter swiftly in order to avoid any uncertainty as the summer approaches.
Harry Toffolo
Harry Toffolo, 29, has been a well-liked figure at Forest since joining the club three years ago. The left-back has earned praise both for his professional attitude and his performances on the pitch when given the chance. However, his opportunities have been limited this season, and left-back remains one of the positions that Forest will assess in the summer transfer window. Although Toffolo’s departure appears to be the most probable outcome, his departure would be on good terms, with the club and fans appreciative of his contributions during his time at the City Ground.
Willy Boly
Defender Willy Boly has another year left on his current contract, but Nottingham Forest hold the option to extend it for another 12 months at the end of the season. However, there have been reports linking him with a move to Saudi Arabia, with Al Riyadh, managed by former Forest boss Sabri Lamouchi, rumored to be interested in the Ivorian defender. Boly’s leadership and influence in the dressing room remain valuable to Forest as they push for European football qualification in the remaining months of the campaign. Yet, there is a real possibility that Boly may seek a move elsewhere in the summer, depending on how negotiations unfold.
Alex Moreno
Earlier in the season, converting Alex Moreno’s loan move from Aston Villa into a permanent transfer seemed like a straightforward decision. The left-back was a regular starter, contributing consistently to the team’s performances. However, as the season has progressed, Moreno has found himself relegated to a more peripheral role, with Neco Williams now occupying the starting spot in his position. While Forest still hold the option to make Moreno’s transfer permanent, the Spanish defender’s future at the club is now uncertain, particularly with rumors circulating about a potential return to his former club, Real Betis.
Jonathan Panzo
Since joining Nottingham Forest in January 2022, central defender Jonathan Panzo has struggled to secure a consistent place in the first team. Despite a series of loans, he has made just one senior appearance for Forest. Currently on loan at Rio Ave, another club owned by Evangelos Marinakis, Panzo’s career has been hindered by injury setbacks, limiting his opportunities for regular playing time. At 24, Panzo is still young and has potential, but his development would be better served by securing regular first-team football elsewhere. A move in the summer seems to be the best option for both Panzo and Forest.
As the club heads into the summer, there are several key decisions to be made regarding the future of players whose contracts are expiring or up for renewal. The coming months will be crucial in shaping the next phase of Nottingham Forest’s squad and their ambitions for the future.
