Nottingham Forest: Summer move for Zian Flemming a no-brainer after Vitor Pereira’s tactical breakthrough
Nottingham Forest will surely be looking to add a new striker to their squad this summer after Vitor Pereira’s recent switch to a 4-4-2 formation.
The Portuguese boss’ change away from his previous 4-2-3-1 system has delivered eye-catching results for the Reds, who have now scored nine goals in their last three halves of football.
Pereira first made the switch with his team trailing 1-0 at half-time in the recent 4-1 win over Burnley, before opting to set his side up like that from the off in their 5-0 victory at Sunderland on Friday.
Given the dramatic results that it has produced so far, it would be a huge surprise if he doesn’t continue with that formation until the end of the campaign and even start next term using it.
Forest’s transfer plans are set to see them try and strengthen their group with a view to pushing up the Premier League table next term, and a new striker will surely be in the offing to boost their numbers.
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VISIT THE FOREST TRANSFER HUBZian Flemming perfect cost-effective option for Nottingham Forest
Forest have been operating with four senior strikers of late, although Lorenzo Lucca is expected to return to Napoli at the end of his loan spell.
That leaves Chris Wood, Igor Jesus and Taiwo Awoniyi as options to lead the line next term, but with Pereira likely to begin the next campaign with two of those starting, then another option will surely be needed as cover.
| Stats | Flemming | Wood | Jesus | Awoniyi |
| Apps (Starts) | 25 (17) | 11 (9) | 33 (24) | 13 (1) |
| Goals (xG) | 9 (6.79) | 3 (3.6) | 5 (5.32) | 2 (1.97) |
| Goals per 90 | 0.56 | 0.37 | 0.22 | 0.67 |
| Shots on Target per 90 | 1.18 | 0.98 | 0.67 | 1.67 |
| Big Chances Missed per 90 | 0.5 | 0.37 | 0.13 | 0.66 |
| Conversion Rate | 19.6% | 15% | 8.3% | 20% |
However, the Reds may be more inclined to look for a cost-effective option at a similar level to their current stars, rather than splashing the cash on a big upgrade.
If they were to go down that route, then a move for Burnley’s Zian Flemming could be a no-brainer after their relegation from the Premier League was recently sealed.
The Dutchman has hit nine goals for Scott Parker’s strugglers this term, and boasts both a better conversion rate and goals per 90 tally than both Wood and Jesus.
He would surely jump at the chance to stay in the Premier League next term, and Burnley would not be in a position to demand big money for him, given that they paid just £7million to sign him from Millwall last summer.
The Reds have gained a reputation for spending big fees in their pursuit of success in recent years, but a slightly more understated signing in Flemming could potentially prove to be invaluable for them.
Igor Jesus has surely now convinced Forest chiefs
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider back in February that Forest could sell Jesus this summer, with the forward’s Premier League form deemed to be a “major problem” at the City Ground.
The Brazilian has largely saved his best form for the Europa League this season, but his domestic efforts have picked up in recent weeks, and he has surely now done enough to convince Forest that he is worth investing in long-term.
The 25-year-old has notched three Premier League goals and three assists since the start of March, with all three of his strikes crucial in the context of his team’s relegation battle.
Jesus’ recent displays have surely proven that he has what it takes to become a top striker in the Premier League, but if the club hierarchy think otherwise, then there could be more than one frontman on their shopping list this summer.
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