Nottingham Forest could find a solution to their attacking problems by bringing the former striker back to the City Ground after the Portuguese winger rediscovered his best form at Olympiacos.
Forest have struggled in front of goal this season, intensifying the pressure on head coach Oliver Glasner as his side battle near the bottom of the Premier League table.
The Reds have scored just six league goals, among the lowest totals in the division, while averaging only 3.8 shots on target per match. Their struggles have raised concerns about the effectiveness of Glasner’s attacking system and the club’s summer recruitment strategy.
He was allowed to leave Forest for sister club Olympiacos after initially joining the Greek side on loan in July. His permanent transfer was completed the following month for a reported £3.4 million.
However, his impressive performances in Greece are now raising questions about whether Forest made the wrong decision by letting him go.
He joined Nottingham Forest from Vitoria de Guimaraes in 2024 and registered six goal contributions in 37 appearances during his first season.
His opportunities became more limited under former manager Nuno Espirito Santo, leading to a loan spell at Besiktas last season. He subsequently failed to establish himself in Glasner’s plans before completing his permanent move to Olympiacos.
The 27-year-old has since enjoyed an excellent start to life in Greece, recording six goal contributions in 12 appearances for the Super League title challengers.
His latest performance was particularly impressive, as he scored a hat-trick in just nine minutes during Olympiacos’ league victory over Kalamata.
Silva also registered six shots, created three chances, and made six touches inside the opposition penalty area, underlining his influence in the attacking third.
His European performances have been equally encouraging. According to the reported statistics, he averages 6.07 shots per 90 minutes in the Europa League, placing him in the 97th percentile among wingers. He also records 0.71 big chances created per 90 minutes and wins 10 duels per 90.
Those numbers suggest Forest may have allowed an in-form attacking option to leave just as they began struggling for goals.
Evangelos Marinakis Could Consider January Reunion
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has the potential to explore a return for Silva when the January transfer window opens, particularly if the club’s attacking problems continue.
With Forest struggling to create and convert opportunities consistently, the winger’s current form could make him an attractive option to strengthen their forward line.
Silva’s familiarity with the club would also reduce the adjustment period that often comes with signing a new player, although any potential return would depend on the clubs’ plans and the player’s situation at Olympiacos.
Glasner’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation has also raised questions about whether Silva would receive sufficient opportunities, given that the system does not always accommodate traditional wingers.
A change in the managerial situation could potentially alter those circumstances, but there is currently no confirmed agreement or indication that Forest is preparing a formal bid.
Silva Still Wants to Succeed in the Premier League
Despite his departure, Silva has previously made clear that he still hopes to establish himself in English football and would welcome the opportunity to succeed at Nottingham Forest.
Speaking earlier this year, the Portuguese winger said he believed he still had plenty to offer and wanted to remain in the Premier League.
He also explained that he continued working hard to earn opportunities but recognized that selection decisions ultimately rested with the manager.
Those comments suggest Silva’s Forest chapter may not be entirely closed, even though his immediate future is currently tied to Olympiacos.
For Forest, the winger’s resurgence presents an interesting question ahead of January: should they reconsider a player who struggled to secure regular minutes under Glasner but is now delivering goals, creativity, and attacking intensity in Greece?
With the Reds desperate to improve their scoring record, a potential reunion could become a talking point if Silva maintains his impressive form. For now, however, any return remains speculative.
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