Nottingham Forest are still searching for their first Premier League victory under Oliver Glasner, although their return of two points from three matches does not fully reflect the progress they have made.
Forest endured a frustrating opening day as Anton Stach’s late free kick secured a 1-0 win for Leeds at the City Ground. They responded with a much-improved performance at Anfield, taking the lead twice before Liverpool fought back to claim a 2-2 draw.
Another point came against Tottenham, although Forest believed they had done enough to win. Nico Williams appeared to have scored the decisive goal, only for it to be ruled out following a VAR handball review.
While the results have not been perfect, there is little indication that Forest are facing an early crisis.
Glasner is still working with a squad adapting to another tactical system, and the performances against Liverpool and Tottenham provided considerably more encouragement than the opening-day defeat.
Forest also approached the transfer window differently compared with the frantic recruitment supporters have become accustomed to seeing.
The club signed just five senior players, focusing on specific targets rather than simply increasing squad numbers.
Liam Delap, who impressed during his appearance against Spurs, arrived from Chelsea for a club-record £45 million. The striker gives Glasner a strong new option through the centre of the attack.
Ousmane Diomande was brought in to reinforce the defence, while Daniel Muñoz reunited with the manager who previously brought out the best in him at Crystal Palace.
Xaver Schlager added experience and physicality after arriving as a free agent, while goalkeeper Steven Benda completed the incoming business.
However, Forest’s biggest piece of business came in the form of a departure.
Manchester City paid £116 million to sign Elliot Anderson, representing an incredible return on Forest’s investment but also removing a hugely influential figure from the midfield.
Taiwo Awoniyi also departed for Coventry, while Omari Hutchinson joined Milan on loan. Forest reduced the size of their squad while generating significant funds, but failing to bring in a direct replacement for Anderson left one major question unanswered after deadline day.
That is precisely why their interest in Corinthians midfielder André continues to attract attention.
Nottingham Forest in talks to sign Corinthians star Andre for January
RTI Esporte reports that Forest remain in negotiations with Corinthians over a potential transfer, despite the English transfer window having already closed.
The proposed arrangement would allow André to remain with Corinthians until the end of the Brazilian season before making the move to Nottingham in January.
According to the report, Corinthians are demanding £15 million guaranteed, with a further £6 million available through bonuses. Forest are attempting to negotiate a lower overall fee as Evangelos Marinakis looks for a more affordable agreement, while discussions are also taking place over the structure of the additional payments.
Corinthians president Osmar Stabile claimed after the deadline that Forest had not responded to his club’s counteroffer before time ran out, seemingly bringing an end to the proposed summer transfer.
However, the latest reports indicate that the move may have been postponed rather than completely abandoned.
Who is Corinthians midfielder Andre?
André is a 20-year-old defensive midfielder who has developed through the Corinthians academy and emerged as one of the club’s promising young talents.
Corinthians currently own 70 per cent of his rights, meaning the financial structure of any potential transfer is particularly important to the Brazilian club.
Finances are also playing a significant role in the situation.
RTI Esporte reports that Corinthians were targeting almost £22 million in transfer income during this calendar year and remain in need of a major sale to ease their difficult financial circumstances.
André had previously been close to joining Milan earlier this year, but Stabile prevented the transfer from going ahead. Forest’s continued pursuit suggests that a move to Europe remains a realistic possibility.
There is already a strong connection between the two clubs, too. Forest previously signed Murillo and Carlos Miguel from Corinthians, meaning their recruitment department has considerable knowledge of the São Paulo market.
Schlager can provide Glasner with an immediate midfield solution, but André could represent both a present and future investment. His age, position and potential could make him a natural candidate to help address the void created by Anderson’s departure.
The summer transfer may have collapsed at the deadline, but Forest’s continued discussions suggest a January move could now be starting to take shape.