Nuno Espírito Santo has let his Nottingham Forest frustrations become public knowledge over recent weeks, but missing out on one signing looks to have caused his biggest problem.
Ahead of the opening day of the season, Espírito Santo raised concerns about the Forest squad given the lack of first-team signings, an issue that was rapidly addressed by the recruitment staff.
However, the Forest manager’s future has been in doubt ever since, with reports that Forest could sack Espírito Santo, leading to him discussing his faltering relationship with Evangelos Marinakis during a press conference.
His future looks set to remain a concern that won’t go away, with details around a failed transfer that Nuno was desperate to finalise only making matters worse.
Nuno Espírito Santo denied ‘perfect’ Adama Traore signing
When Forest were linked with Adama Traoré, it seemed like the perfect deal to bolster the squad with a player that Espírito Santo knew well from his time at Wolves.
Forest looked elsewhere in the end, and the additions of Dan Ndoye and Dilane Bakwa have left the right side looking strong, but according to The Athletic, Nuno may still be hung up on Traore.
The report: “Nuno believed he had the perfect solution for the hole left by Elanga’s £52 million move to Newcastle: a reunion with Adama Traore, the Fulham winger he had previously worked with at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
“There were two reasons behind the interest. Firstly, Nuno believed he understood how to get the best out of a complex player. And secondly, Traore’s explosive pace and power could inspire the same sense of nervousness and trepidation in opposition defenders, whether the Spaniard started a match or was simply warming up on the touchline.
“However, while other targets were prioritised, a deal for Traore never came. While Forest’s third signing of the summer was confirmed a few days after they returned from Portugal in the form of Dan Ndoye from Bologna, it was a source of frustration for Nuno.”
It was suggested that Nuno and Edu’s relationship fell apart over Traore, with the added details from this latest report highlighting how passionate the Forest boss felt about signing the Spaniard. However, through the signing of Bakwa, Nuno may still get the traits he was looking for in Traore.
Dilane Bakwa can provide what Adama Traore offers
Forest paid £35m for Bakwa on deadline day in a last-minute addition to Espírito Santo’s squad, providing an extra dimension on the right side.
The Frenchman provided fourteen goal contributions for Strasbourg last season, and according to those who have studied his game closely, he can provide the dynamism that Traore would’ve.
On top of having the physical profile to succeed at Forest, Bakwa provides the end product that Traore never quite has throughout his career.
Ideally, Bakwa’s pace will give Espírito Santo what he wanted from Traore, as well as the extra threat in front of goal to make him a success at the City Ground.
Receive a digest of our best Nottingham Forest content each week direct to your mailbox
