Nottingham Forest winger Gil Dias looks set to have his season-long loan deal cut short to move to Olympiacos.
The 22-year-old’s arrival from Monaco in the summer generated huge excitement. However, it is fair to say that he has failed to live up to expectation.
According to the Telegraph, the Reds had the option to sign Dias permanently in the summer for a fee of £17.5 million. Considering his performances in the Championship, that now seems an astronomical figure.
In short, both Dias and Diogo Gonçalves have not made the same impact that their Portuguese compatriot João Carvalho has. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see them both move on this month.
In this case, it seems that Dias could be the first of the two out of the exit door. According to Greek sports website SDNA, the winger is expected to complete a move to Olympiacos today.
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Dias struggled to adapt to Championship
It was never going to be easy for Dias to adapt to the demands of Championship football. Playing two or three times a week in a physical division is very different to playing in Serie A.
He arrived at the City Ground with an impressive pedigree. Having already featured for the likes of Monaco, Fiorentina and Portugal’s Under-21 side, there clearly is a quality player in there.
It’s just a shame that he hasn’t been able to show that during his time in Nottingham.
Dias has made 24 appearances for the Reds in all competitions, with majority of these being off the bench. However, he has only been able to pick up one goal and one assist which isn’t good enough. His highlight will undoubtedly be his chip against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup.
Those sparks of brilliance have been far too limited. He’ll mainly be remembered by Forest supporters for his involvement in the capitulation at Norwich on Boxing Day. Some may even argue that his failed clearance was a key factor in Aitor Karanka losing his job.
It seems the right move for both parties for him to move on.
O’Neill already looking at replacements?
The fact Martin O’Neill named Matty Cash and Joe Lolley as his wide players in his first game gives an indication of the sort of player he is going to favour moving forward.
If both Dias and Gonçalves are moving on, then replacements are clearly needed.
The Reds have been linked with numerous wingers over the last week so, with James McClean seeming the most realistic target, according to the Nottingham Post. Other names such as Celtic’s Lewis Morgan and Sheffield Wednesday’s Adam Reach have also been mentioned.
In the meantime, Dias’ impending departure could provide an opportunity for Arvin Appiah. The youngster signed a new long-term deal at the club yesterday.
With an important game against Wigan on the horizon, it will be interesting to see whether O’Neill does take a risk and gives Appiah a chance.