Nottingham Forest are preparing to welcome back a player who has spent the past 12 months out on loan.
The Reds will undergo a busy summer transfer window – with extra emphasis likely to be placed on outgoing deals.
Nuno Espirito Santo will want to work with a smaller squad and that could mean that some players will have to leave.
With some of the loanees returning set to be placed straight on the transfer list, it would appear that one might get a chance to shine.
Omar Richards now in line for Nottingham Forest chance
It’s been a long road to recovery for Richards since he signed for Forest for £8.5 million from Bayern Munich in 2022.
The left-back had made 17 appearances at the Allianz Arena but was allowed to move to the City Ground.
Disaster struck almost as soon as he arrived at Forest, with the player suffering a hairline fracture of his shin in training.
After recovering from that injury, he required a hernia operation that kept him out of action for the remainder of the season.
Now, after a loan spell with Olympiacos, it’s been claimed by Sportime that Richards will return to Forest this summer.
The 26-year-old has made nine appearances for the Greek outfit and perhaps the season is finishing too soon for the former Reading man.
He’s just started to showcase some solid form but now he’s set to return to Forest.
Richards can be an asset for the Reds next season
It’s an old cliche but Richards could genuinely prove to be like a new signing for Forest next season.
You’d have to be pretty cold-hearted not to feel a tinge of sadness with what Richards has been through – but he looks to be on the mend now.
As a left-back, Richards might have a place in the squad that he can compete for.
Ola Aina has penned a new deal and perhaps he will join Neco Williams to compete for the right-back slot, with Gonzalo Montiel returning to Sevilla.
Richards could then challenge Harry Toffolo for the place at left-back and that’s a battle that he’d fancy winning.
At 26, Richards has a lot still to offer and he will look to grasp any Forest chance that comes his way with both hands.
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