Alex Moreno has been left to the periphery of the Nottingham Forest squad in recent months, without a single minute of Premier League action since January.
To his credit, the Spaniard never seems fazed by his lack of action, shown when Moreno led the celebrations after the 7-0 win over Brighton. Deep down, though, there must be some frustration.
With Forest not making Moreno’s move permanent in January, it seemed a clear sign that the 31-year-old was seen as cover for Neco Williams only, offered minutes in the FA Cup as a consolation.
Then came the news that Real Betis were keen on Moreno which made his exit feel inevitable, but Forest expert Paul Taylor has explained that Moreno’s future beyond this loan spell isn’t as simple as it may appear.
Nottingham Forest could still sign Alex Moreno permanently
Forest fans wanted Moreno to sign permanently after his display in November’s victory over West Ham but he has since escaped the attention of Reds fans due to his absence from the team and the interest from Betis.
However, speaking in his Q&A feature for The Athletic, Taylor has revealed that there is still a chance the left back stays at Forest permanently.
Taylor said: “It is easy to presume that the fact he [Moreno] has not played very much, in terms of starting games at least, is a sign that they [Forest] might not want to keep him.
“But he is a really popular figure in the dressing room and a player that Nuno trusts. You don’t get the sense that the interest that Forest had in signing him permanently has waned significantly, despite his lack of game time, even if the dynamic has admittedly changed a little bit.”
Back in September, Moreno marked Mohamed Salah out of the game as Forest beat Liverpool so the talent is clearly there if he is willing to remain a back up to Williams. If not, though, Evangelos Marinakis has already lined up alternatives.
Nottingham Forest are ready with Alex Moreno alternatives
With Williams set to be offered a new Forest contract, anyone brought in as a left-back would almost certainly have to accept a reduced role, but with European football on the horizon, there will be plenty more opportunities for first-team action.
Already eyed-up as a Moreno alternative is Forest’s interest in Hugo Bueno, who is already starring in the Champions League for Feyenoord, on loan from Wolves.
Another rumour in January saw Pervis Estupinan linked with a move to Forest, but he wouldn’t likely accept a role as Williams’ deputy.
El Hadji Malick Diouf was also linked with Forest and at just 20, could be the perfect long-term target for the role. However, Moreno still remains a viable option for the club and if Nuno Espirito Santo trusts him, that could be reason enough to extend the Spaniard’s spell at the City Ground.
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