Nottingham Forest have exceeded the expectations set by everyone ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season, with Champions League football firmly on the cards.
Nuno Espírito Santo has masterminded the Reds to third place in England’s top flight, boasting a five-point gap to sixth place with just seven league outings remaining.
The thought of welcoming Europe’s elite to the City Ground was a distant dream for supporters after two near-misses with relegation after promotion, but such hopes could come to fruition in the coming months.
However, if they are to be competitive in Europe and the Premier League next season, additions are desperately needed, handing Nuno the squad depth to rotate when needed.
Owner Evangelos Marinakis has wasted no time in targeting reinforcements for 2025/26, with one name remerging on their shortlist after previous interest in his signature last summer.
Nottingham Forest plot move for £40m talisman this summer
According to TBR, Forest are plotting a summer move for Evanilson after his impressive debut campaign in the Premier League with Bournemouth.
The Brazilian, who joined the Cherries for £40m last summer, has scored 11 goals in 27 appearances across all competitions, sitting as their second top scorer behind Justin Kluivert.
It’s not the first time the Reds have targeted the 25-year-old, after being firmly in the race for his signature just under 12 months ago before his subsequent move to the Vitality.
The report claims that Newcastle and Aston Villa are also in the race for Evanilson’s signature, with Nuno looking for reinforcements whilst also trying to move Taiwo Awoniyi on this window.
It’s unclear whether Andoni Iraola’s side would be open to parting ways with their star striker, but he could provide an alternative to one other forward currently on Marinakis’ radar.
Why Evanilson would be the perfect Gyokeres alternative
As a result of their impressive form, Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres has emerged on Forest’s radar, with the Portuguese side demanding £60m to part with their star man.
The Swedish international has been in incredible goalscoring form since his move from Coventry City back in the summer of 2023, registering 87 goals in his 94 appearances.
However, despite their interest, the Reds aren’t alone in their pursuit of the 26-year-old this summer, with Arsenal and Manchester United also in the race for the forward.
Given the nature of the clubs also keen on the talisman, the Forest hierarchy could turn their attention to Evanilson in the coming months, with the Cherries attacker a more than capable alternative.
When comparing his figures with Gyokeres from the ongoing campaign, he’s managed to match or better the Swede in numerous key areas, highlighting how much of an impressive addition he would be.
Games played
25
27
Goals & assists
9
37
Shot-on-target accuracy
49%
40%
Shots on target per 90
1.5
1.3
Take-on success
32%
27%
Fouls won
2.1
1.6
Aerials won
38%
30%
The “world-class” Cherries ace, as dubbed by content creator Kirk Tovey, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists than Gyokeres, but has managed more shots on target per 90 at a higher accuracy rate – showcasing his accuracy in the final third.
He’s also completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted, whilst also winning more of the aerial duels he’s contested, offering a more all-round centre-forward option than the Sporting star.
Whilst the Swedish international undoubtedly remains as many of the supporter’s first-choice attacking signing this summer, a deal for Evanilson would be just as impressive as seen by the numbers procured this year.
Investment will be needed in various areas of the first-team squad throughout the upcoming window, with funds needed elsewhere, potentially leading the Reds to pursue a move for the Brazilian sensation.
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