Nottingham Forest already have first-hand experience of how costly a difficult January transfer window can be — and with pressure mounting again, the stakes feel even higher this time around.

Lessons From Last January

Twelve months ago, Forest entered the January transfer window from a position of real strength. They were pushing towards the top end of the Premier League table, with Champions League qualification firmly in their sights.

Under Nuno Espirito Santo, the squad was tight-knit and performing well. However, there was one clear weakness: a lack of depth up front. Forest attempted to address it, but a move for Brentford striker Yoane Wissa was rejected. No major additions followed.

There was logic behind the club’s restraint, yet it left a lingering sense of what might have been. Would an extra striker have turned a strong season into a historic one? Could Forest have finished in the top five rather than settling for seventh and Europa League football? Those questions remain unanswered.

A Very Different January, With Bigger Risks

Fast forward to now, and Forest face another pivotal winter window — but under far more precarious circumstances.

Sean Dyche, the club’s third head coach of the season, is overseeing his first transfer window at the City Ground. Forest currently sit just above the relegation zone, and mistakes now could carry severe consequences before the February 2 deadline.

Striker Crisis Deepens

Once again, the need for attacking reinforcements is obvious — arguably even more urgent than last year.

• Chris Wood is set for an extended spell out after knee surgery

• Arnaud Kalimuendo looks likely to move elsewhere

• Taiwo Awoniyi’s future remains uncertain, with form and minutes both lacking

That leaves Igor Jesus as Forest’s main attacking outlet. The Brazilian has shown promise since arriving from Botafogo, but has managed just one Premier League goal so far.

Goals Are the Problem

Forest’s struggles are clear in the numbers. They have scored once in their last three matches, a run that has coincided with a string of defeats. Goals win games — and right now, Forest are short on both.

Financial realities and squad availability must be weighed carefully. A panic signing could prove just as damaging as no signing at all.

Dyche: “It Has to Be the Right Deal”

Dyche has acknowledged the delicate balance required in January.

“We’re always assessing. The ownership here will back the club, we know that. You’ve still got to find the people and it’s still got to be the right deal.”

It’s a cautious message — but one shaped by hard lessons.

No Room for Regret This Time

With a relegation fight looming and European commitments adding further strain, Forest cannot afford to reach the summer once again asking what if?

This January, getting recruitment right is no longer about ambition — it’s about survival.