According to Fabrizio Romano, Nottingham Forest are currently ahead of Wolverhampton Wanderers in the race to sign out-of-contract forward Che Adams from Southampton.
Che Adams has become a free agent after helping Southampton return to the Premier League; Forest and Wolves are both interested. The Garibaldi are reportedly confident in getting the deal done soon, which may be sensible business by Forest.
How did Adams fair at Southampton last season?
The Saints booked their return to the Premier League after a play-off win at Wembley against Leeds United. Che Adams played a crucial role, scoring 16 goals in the league and providing four assists, having the second-highest goal contribution at the club and missing only six matches throughout the Championship season.
The Scottish international did miss the majority of the playoffs, though, having an injury during the two semi-final matches and playing just 20 minutes in the final.
Why do Forest want Adams?
After a Premier League season plagued with injury and disappointment in attack for Forest, with both key strikers Taiwo Awoniyi and Chris Wood missing parts of the season due to injury and loanee Divock Origi not living up to any expectation only having one goal contribution the whole season.
Forest may be looking towards Che Adams to help strengthen the attack and compete with other forwards, as we have seen this season with Southampton, Adams is a reliable player to call upon which could be a good addition for Forest.
Another reason Forest may be after Adams is because it could be seen as a low to no-risk deal; with the former Saints striker being a free agent, Forest won’t have to pay a fee for the forward, which means more focus and money can but put towards other areas that need strengthening, especially given recent financial circumstances.
Why I believe this is sensible business
While Adams may not be the signing to get people jumping out of their chairs in excitement, he may just be what the Garibaldi needed.
Forest have had recent experience with free signings in the Premier League with Serge Aurier and Ola Aina who have both been seen as successful signings since, playing huge parts in both season’s survival in defence, Adams could help play a crucial role next season chipping in with goals or assist along the way while not denting the wage bill or costing a fee.
After their recent deduction for Profit and sustainability losses, Forest may have to be more shrewd with future business to ensure it does not happen again and instead be more fiscally responsible free agents such as Adams could be a step in the right direction.
It will be interesting to see if Forest do get this deal over the line, especially with no signing fee. The only problem they could face is a problem with Adams’ wages and potential signing fee, but this could be a great start to what could be another hectic window at the City Ground.