Nottingham Forest have reportedly started laying the groundwork for a major January transfer move as they search for a proven striker capable of solving their growing goalscoring problems.
Manager Oliver Glasner has identified the center-forward position as a significant weakness within his squad and is urging the club’s recruitment department to prioritize attacking reinforcements ahead of the winter transfer window.
The Tricky Trees have endured a frustrating start to their Premier League campaign, scoring just six goals in eight matches. Their struggles have been particularly alarming at the City Ground, where they are yet to find the back of the net this season.
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Forest are determined to bring in an established goalscorer when the January window opens.
Behind-the-scenes preparations are already underway, with the club’s scouting network examining potential targets across European football. The intention is to identify a forward who fits Glasner’s tactical requirements and can immediately improve the team’s attacking output.
However, securing a quality striker midway through the season could prove challenging. Clubs are generally reluctant to lose their leading attackers in January, while competition from other Premier League sides could complicate Forest’s pursuit.
Why Nottingham Forest Are Desperate for a New Striker
Forest’s inability to convert opportunities into goals is becoming an increasingly serious concern for Glasner, particularly with pressure building around his position as manager.
Brown previously warned on 13 October that the club’s attacking deficiencies could become a major problem if results continued to deteriorate.
The absence of a dependable goalscorer has already contributed to Forest dropping valuable points this season. Unless the situation improves, Glasner could find himself facing further criticism despite the shortcomings within his available squad.
Speaking to Football Insider, Brown explained that Forest are expected to make signing a new striker one of their biggest priorities in January.
He suggested that the current attacking options have failed to deliver consistently, with their poor finishing clearly reflected in the team’s performances.
Brown also argued that although the manager has received criticism, the players must accept responsibility for failing to take their opportunities in front of goal.
He believes Forest needs a top-quality center-forward capable of providing the goals required to revive their disappointing campaign.
Nevertheless, Brown acknowledged that completing such a deal will not be straightforward.
Clubs are unlikely to release important players halfway through a season, while any available striker attracting Forest’s attention could also be wanted by several other teams.
Despite those obstacles, Brown insisted that strengthening the position is something Forest must seriously pursue, adding that the recruitment process is likely already progressing at Glasner’s request.
Liam Delap Under Pressure After Disappointing Nottingham Forest Start
Forest’s attacking struggles have also raised questions about the performances of their existing forwards, with several players yet to meet expectations under Glasner.
Chris Wood’s declining influence was perhaps understandable given his age, but the club expected Liam Delap to provide a significant upgrade after completing a £50 million move from Chelsea during the summer.
However, the young striker has struggled to make the desired impact since arriving at the City Ground.
Brown revealed to Football Insider on 26 October that there are growing concerns within Nottingham Forest regarding Delap’s performances and his ability to lead the attack.
The 23-year-old has managed just one goal in seven Premier League appearances this season, raising further doubts about whether he can become the reliable goalscorer Forest desperately need.
Delap also failed to find the net against his former club Ipswich Town in Forest’s most recent outing, which ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw.
The result extended Forest’s difficult run, leaving them with just one victory from their opening eight league fixtures.
They have subsequently dropped to 18th position in the Premier League standings, with their lack of attacking productivity emerging as one of the biggest reasons behind their disappointing league position.
With the January transfer window approaching, Glasner faces an important decision over whether to continue trusting his current attacking options or push the club to invest in another centre-forward.
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