Having scored just four goals in the past five Premier League games, Nottingham Forest clearly have a problem. With just one striker fit and in any kind of form, Max Beacham takes a look at the options available
On his day, Chris Wood remains a near perfect fit for the system and the level Nottingham Forest are operating at. His physical presence, hold-up play and penalty box instincts suit the team well. However, at 34 years old and having spent the past three months sidelined with a knee injury, it’s increasingly difficult to rely on him as the focal point of the attack. The form he showed last season now feels a long way off.
With Taiwo Awoniyi failing to reach the required level this season, the responsibility has shifted to summer signing Igor Jesus — with Arnaud Kalimuendo already out on loan. Both are clearly useful squad options, and their qualities have been evident in European competition, where they have combined for six goals. However, performing against lesser European opposition is a very different challenge to leading the line consistently in the Premier League.
Kalimuendo’s situation is particularly frustrating. Signed for £26 million and a former Paris Saint Germain academy graduate, he has simply not been given a sustained run of minutes under any manager. With a loan move now complete to Germany, Forest have now weakened an already thin position even further, making the lack of proven Premier League firepower even more obvious.
Jesus, meanwhile, has shown promise. His physical ability has stood out so far and currently ranks in the top 15% for aerial duals won per 90 across all players this season. However, has lacked a cutting edge in front of goal with 0.09 goals per 90 but having an xG of 0.32.
He was never intended to carry the attacking burden alone though. His role was meant to be rotational, sharing minutes with Wood while helping Forest compete across multiple competitions.
With Wood injured and alternatives failing to deliver consistently, reinforcements now feel essential. When you dig into the numbers, the lack of reliable goal threat becomes even clearer, and solving this striker problem may ultimately define Forest’s season.
A shortlist of four strikers is said to include Jorgen Strand Larsen, Youssef En-Nesyri, Artem Dovbyk and Mehdi Taremi, and here we focus on the first of those names.
Jørgen Strand Larsen
A move for Jørgen Strand Larsen from Wolves would reportedly cost around £30-40 million, a not insignificant fee but one deal we should get over the line.
While his form this season has certainly failed to catch the eye, looking back at his 2024/25 campaign provides a clearer picture of his potential. Forest need a target-man striker, someone who can replace Wood’s physical presence and aerial threat.
At 25 years old, he ticks the age box perfectly, with the hope that he’ll be entering his prime during his time at Forest. Last season, he scored 14 goals and provided four assists in 30 games, a record that suggests real attacking potential. Of course, there’s always the risk of a ‘purple patch’, much like Michu at Swansea in 2012/13. And it’s natural to worry whether Larsen can replicate that form. This season — prior to his hattrick against Grimsby Town in the FA Cup — he’s managed just 0.07 goals per 90, down from 0.48 last season, which is a worrying stat for a number nine.
Context is key though, last summer, Larsen was clearly motivated to leave Wolves after multiple rejected bids from Newcastle, reportedly around £60 million. With Wolves facing a relegation battle this season his motivation to play and fight for the team may not be there, that or the chances being created for him this season just aren’t happening.
From a tactical standpoint, he appears an ideal fit for Forest under Sean Dyche. Standing at 6’4” and winning 40.1% of his aerial duels per 90, he has the physical traits Dyche favours. A striker who can hold up the ball, dominate in the air, and bring others into play.
His finishing ability as well was very promising last season, as he overperformed his xG of 0.36. Comparing this to our current forward line, Chris Wood in the limited appearances this season has underperformed his xG, while Igor Jesus also has massively underperformed his xG as already mentioned.
His potential signing could just be a merely a reaction to our current situation and to what the manager wants. But should we worry that the signing is simply for Dyche and not the bigger picture of where the club wants and should go?
Whether Strand Larsen proves a short-term fix or a long-term solution, Forest cannot afford to rely on their current forwards. Reinforcements are essential, and a striker of his profile could possibly be the key to success.
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