Nottingham Forest keeping Joe Lolley was more important than any summer signing

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Nottingham Forest have been busy in the transfer market once again with a number of players coming and going – and the best bit of business done was ensuring that Joe Lolley remained at the City Ground. 

Sabri Lamouchi still has a huge squad at his disposal – something the club were able to partially address on Deadline Day yesterday. Arvin Appiah, Liam Bridcutt, Jason Cummings and Daryl Murphy all left the club.

The Frenchman has previously voiced his desire to cut the size of his squad. However, at the same time, he wouldn’t have wanted to see any of his key players leave.

There’s no doubt that Joe Lolley is one of those.

There was always the chance that a Premier League side could’ve offered money that the Reds simply couldn’t turn down. It could’ve taken any decision about the winger’s future out of Lamouchi’s hands.

Luckily for him, the 27-year-old remains at the City Ground. This was despite a report from the Daily Mail at the end of last season which suggested that Aston Villa were set to make a £10 million move for the winger.

Vital

Lolley is going to be vital to Forest’s chances of securing promotion to the Premier League this season.

After picking up 11 goals and 11 assists in the Championship last season, Lolley already has a goal and assist in the league since returning to action after the summer break – and he’s still yet to reach his best.

There’s no doubt some of the signings that have arrived this summer have added something different to the side – but there are few, if any of them, who are as important to the side’s success.

It’s fair to say that Lolley hasn’t been able to reach the heights of last season this time round just yet.

However, as Lamouchi stated a few weeks ago, he remains a vital figure in the side.

He told the Nottingham Post: “We are waiting for more from Lolley because he is a key player. He is really important for us.

“But game after game, Lolley will be back, don’t worry about that.”

There’s going to be a time when Lolley eventually goes on to play in the Premier League but, hopefully, it’ll be with the Reds next season.