Nottingham Forest could utilise their relationship with Toronto FC to loan them Lewis O’Brien, according to The Athletic. The ex-Huddersfield man has been omitted from the 25-man squad for the second half of the season.
O’Brien was set for a loan move to Blackburn Rovers on transfer deadline day. The Championship side submitted incorrect paperwork, however, and he’s now in limbo at the City Ground.
The 23-year-old’s options are completely limited. The European transfer window is closed in many countries and it would seem that the MLS is the only viable option for the player.
The transfer window in the United States remains open until April. As a result, O’Brien would be able to join an MLS outfit on loan and it could be his only option for regular football.
Forest could choose to call upon their relationship with Toronto FC. Forest defender Richie Laryea is already there on loan and perhaps they could sign another player from the City Ground.
O’Brien can consider himself really unfortunate. He made 14 appearances for the Reds during the first half of 2022/23, having signed for £10 million from Huddersfield.
Forest could utilise their relationship with Toronto FC for O’Brien loan
This now looks like the only option for the Reds midfielder. He will be desperate not to be out of action for the remainder of the campaign and moving to the MLS makes a lot of sense.
O’Brien needs game time. If Forest are relegated this season he could be a useful player for the team next season and the last thing the Reds will want is for him to become stale.
Toronto FC have served Forest well with Laryea. He plays regular football, although things could be somewhat complicated by the fact that a number of their overseas spots are already full.
O’Brien does look increasingly likely to move to the MLS though. It would appear that his Blackburn deal won’t go through and it’s wise that the Reds are looking at fall-back options.