Premier League free agents for Forest to repeat Ola Aina transfer trick | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest could revisit the free agent market as they equip head coach Vitor Pereira for a European tilt in 2026/27. He wants only a handful of additions while keeping the core intact.

According to Nottingham Post, Forest have not shied away from spending, yet big fees brought mixed returns last season. Dilane Bakwa and James McAtee cost £30 million each, Dan Ndoye £34m and Omari Hutchinson £37.5m, and all found the first year Trentside tough.

Cut-price deals can also deliver. Stefan Ortega proved smart business on a short-term, nominal-fee move from Manchester City in the winter window, and Ola Aina arrived on a free three years ago. If Forest go that way again, there could be gems to uncover.

In-house, deals for Ortega, Willy Boly, Angus Gunn and Omar Richards are running down. Elsewhere, former Forest goalkeeper Karl Darlow and ex-City Ground loanee Sam Byram are set to be available on free transfers.

Across the Premier League, players noted as nearing contract expiry include Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein, who is joining Werder Bremen, and Aston Villa midfielder Ross Barkley. Others listed are Brentford’s Rico Henry, Brighton pair Adam Webster and Solly March, Crystal Palace duo Daichi Kamada and Jefferson Lerma, Everton’s Seamus Coleman and Fulham forward Harry Wilson. High-profile names such as John Stones, Bernardo Silva, Casemiro, Jadon Sancho, Fabian Schär, Kieran Trippier, Yves Bissouma, Callum Wilson and Matt Doherty also feature, though some could already have suitors or may yet agree fresh terms.

Source: Nottingham Post