By Martin Graham
New Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche is preparing for a fresh challenge at the City Ground and is already working again with a familiar figure — Chris Wood. The pair shared a productive spell together at Burnley before 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 remained a valuable presence up front and proved his worth last season, netting 20 times in 36 Premier League appearances as Forest secured European football. Despite that contribution, Dyche and the club hierarchy are beginning to look to the future as they consider younger options to lead the attack.
Marinakis targets statement signing in Omorodion
Club owner Evangelos Marinakis appears intent on strengthening Forest’s ambitions, with reports claiming he has identified FC Porto’s rising star Samu Omorodion as a major target. According to Caught Offside, Forest have joined the chase for the 21-year-old striker, who has also drawn interest from Arsenal, Tottenham, and Newcastle United.
Omorodion has impressed in Portugal this season, striking eight goals in his first ten appearances and establishing himself as one of Europe’s most promising young forwards. Porto, however, are reluctant to negotiate below the €100 million (£87 million) release clause in his contract, making any potential deal a bold and costly pursuit for the Premier League side.
Forest scouts monitor rising star
Forest’s recruitment team has reportedly been monitoring Omorodion closely in recent weeks, assessing whether his profile fits Dyche’s long-term vision. The Spanish forward has already earned 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 hovering near the relegation zone — a marquee signing of Omorodion’s calibre would underline their determination to push upward. Whether or not a deal materializes, the club’s pursuit signals clear intent to reinforce Dyche’s squad with top-level talent for the future.
