Nottingham Forest have already signed an “alternative” to replace Williams

Nottingham Forest have a few months ahead of them, with the current squad having a chance to write themselves into the history books.

The Reds should undoubtedly top the Premier League soon, but their Europa League standings offer a real chance of winning another European trophy.

The current generation of supporters have grown up hearing about the glory days under Brian Clough, with current manager Vitor Pereira having the chance to give fans a season to remember.

Evangelos Marinakis’ huge investment in recent seasons has opened up such an opportunity, and the City Ground players need to make the most of the opportunity they are given.

However, spending money in the transfer market always presents a risk, where the Reds may need to pay players to avoid breaching any PSR rules.

Why Neco Williams could leave the Forest this summer

Before the summer transfer window, many Forest fans are waiting for the sale of Elliot Anderson, the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City are always making checks on his future.

However, defender Neco Williams could join the Englishman in a move away from the City Ground this window, with Fabrizio Romano giving an update on his future.

The journalist says this week that the Premier League and many European clubs are constantly monitoring his progress before any possible offers.

The 24-year-old has been in excellent form for the Reds this season, after winning three consecutive East Midlands Player of the Month awards.

His best performance in recent months arguably came against Tottenham Hotspur before the international break, as he laid on two assists in their win in North London.

If Anderson were to leave soon, there would be no need to remove other senior members, but fans will no doubt be fearing the worst after Romano’s review.

Forest star replacing Williams

Left-back has often been a struggle area for Forest over the years, as evidenced by the revolving door of players in recent times.

Even during the promotion-winning campaign, central midfielder Jack Colback was often selected to play in an unnatural role, while loanee Max Lowe spent time on the sidelines.

Since the promotion, the Reds have had various loanees in such an area of ​​the pitch, with the likes of Renan Lodi and Nuno Tavares sharing the responsibility of filling the role temporarily.

Williams has made the position his own in recent months, while cementing his place as one of the team’s most important players under Pereira.

However, his potential departure will no doubt alarm supporters, but they may have a replacement lined up on their books in German youngster Luca Netz.

The 22-year-old only arrived from Borussia Mönchengladbach for around £2m in January, but has only played 48 minutes so far.

Although he did not play in the Premier League until now, he arrived in England with a great pedigree – after which he turned more than a century in the Bundesliga.

He has often had to play second fiddle to Williams in recent months, but journalist Florian Plettenberg has revealed that the club are happy with his progress.

His young age certainly makes him one for the future, but his stats for the current season in Germany before his transfer certainly make for great reading.

Netz, described as “special” by coach Christian Wuck, made 15 appearances for the Bundesliga side before moving to Forest, and even registered two assists – highlighting his impressive form when attacking forward.

He was able to complete 27% of the crosses he attempted – a higher figure than Williams – which confirms his incredible ability with the ball at his feet in attacking areas.

Off the ball, the youngster is an excellent option for the Reds, having made 1.5 tackles and 3.7 clearances in 90 possessions so far this season.

Netz’s defensive figures of 6.2 per 90 also highlight his untapped talent, his ability at both ends similar to Williams’ style of play at the City Ground.

Given his form in recent months, no Forest fan would want to lose the Welshman this summer – with the former Liverpool star arguably one of the club’s most consistent players.

However, should he be dropped, Pereira will have a good place in the Nets, with the 22-year-old able to step up and be counted on when needed in 2026/27.

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