By Martin Graham
new Nottingham Forest Manager Sean Dyche is preparing for a new challenge at the City Ground and is already working with a familiar face again: Chris Wood. The pair shared a productive spell together in Burnley ahead of the New Zealander’s departure in 2022, a move Dyche later admitted was “not a perfect scenario” after losing one of his key performers.
Wood, now 33, has continued to be a valuable presence up front and proved his worth last season, scoring 20 times in 36 Premier League appearances as Forest secured European football. Despite that contribution, Dyche and the club’s hierarchy are beginning to look to the future as they consider younger options to lead the attack.
Marinakis points to the signing of declarations in Omorodion
Club owner Evangelos Marinakis appears determined to bolster Forest’s ambitions, with reports claiming he has identified FC Porto’s rising star. Samu Omorodion as the main objective. According to Caught Offside, Forest have joined the pursuit of the 21-year-old striker, who has also attracted interest from Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle United.
Omorodion has impressed in Portugal this season, scoring eight goals in his first ten appearances and establishing himself as one of Europe’s most promising young strikers. Porto, however, are reluctant to negotiate below the €100m (£87m) release clause in his contract, making any potential deal a bold and expensive pursuit for the Premier League.
Forest scouts monitor the rising star
Forest’s recruitment team have reportedly been monitoring Omorodion closely in recent weeks, assessing whether his profile fits Dyche’s long-term vision. The Spanish forward has already won praise from scouts, including Ben Mattinson, who previously described him as a player capable of reaching elite levels.
While Forest’s early season form has been far from ideal, leaving them close to the relegation zone, a marquee signing of Omorodion’s caliber would underline their determination to push on. Whether a deal materializes or not, the club’s pursuit indicates a clear intention to bolster Dyche’s squad with top-flight talent for the future.
