Nottingham Forest find themselves at a crossroads as the Premier League season approaches the halfway mark.
With the January transfer window now firmly on the horizon, speculation is mounting around the future of several players at the City Ground.
One name in particular is generating significant attention.
Backup star appears increasingly restless, and the signs that he could depart in January are becoming harder to ignore.
At the same time, French forward Arnaud Kalimuendo continues to face limited opportunities under head coach Oliver Glasner.
German interest in a permanent return for the attacker remains strong.
John Victor’s Growing Frustration at the City Ground
John Victor arrived at Nottingham Forest with ambition and expectation.
Yet the Brazilian has found first-team minutes extremely hard to come by this season.
Matz Sels has established himself as the clear number one.
The Belgian’s consistency has left Victor watching from the bench for the vast majority of Premier League matches.
Reports emerging from Brazil suggest Victor is eager for regular football.
He is understood to be open to a move in January if the right opportunity arises.
Flamengo have been linked with a potential return for the goalkeeper.
Sources indicate a winter switch is looking increasingly likely as Victor seeks to force his way back into the Brazil national team conversation.
Why Minutes Have Been So Scarce
Oliver Glasner has shown little willingness to rotate his goalkeeper.
Sels has been a reliable presence, making important saves and organising the defence effectively.
In a results-driven environment near the bottom of the table, the head coach is reluctant to make changes for the sake of it. That reality has left Victor with almost no pathway into the starting eleven.
For a player still in the prime of his career, prolonged inactivity carries real risk. International recognition becomes harder to achieve without consistent club football.
Arnaud Kalimuendo’s Parallel Struggle for Game Time
While John Victor’s situation has attracted attention, Arnaud Kalimuendo’s predicament is equally noteworthy. The French forward has struggled to force his way into Glasner’s preferred attacking setup.
Liam Delap has been the primary centre-forward option since his big-money arrival. Dan Ndoye and Morgan Gibbs-White have also featured regularly in advanced roles.
Kalimuendo’s appearances have largely been restricted to substitute cameos. His inability to secure a consistent starting place has not gone unnoticed in Germany.
Eintracht Frankfurt, where Kalimuendo enjoyed a productive loan spell previously, remain keen on a permanent reunion. Negotiations around a fee continue to be a point of discussion between the clubs.
Tactical Preferences Under Oliver Glasner
Glasner’s system demands high intensity and specific positional attributes. Delap’s physical profile and ability to stretch defences appear to suit the Austrian’s preferred style more closely at present.
Kalimuendo offers different qualities, including sharp movement in the box and clinical finishing. Yet those attributes have not been enough to displace the current hierarchy in the final third.
With Forest still searching for greater consistency in front of goal, the head coach may eventually look to unlock Kalimuendo’s potential. Time, however, is running short before the winter window opens.
Forest’s Current League Position Adds Urgency
Nottingham Forest currently sit in the lower half of the Premier League table. A recent 1-1 draw away at Ipswich Town provided a much-needed point but also highlighted ongoing issues.
The Reds have found goals hard to come by in recent weeks. Missed chances and a lack of clinical edge have cost them valuable points in tight matches.
A controversial VAR decision in the Ipswich game, where Issa Diop avoided a red card, only added to the sense of frustration among players and supporters. Glasner publicly disagreed with the call but accepted the process.
Every result now carries extra weight. Remaining clear of the relegation zone remains the primary objective as the campaign progresses into the winter months.
Recent Form and Its Impact on Squad Planning
Forest’s form has been mixed since the international break. Promising performances have too often been undermined by a failure to convert dominance into victories.
The defensive unit has generally held firm, with Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic forming a solid partnership. Yet the attack has lacked the cutting edge required to climb the table more decisively.
This context makes January planning critical. Glasner and the recruitment team must decide whether to strengthen key areas or allow certain fringe players to move on.
Fan Reaction and the Atmosphere Around the Club
Supporters have mixed feelings about potential January departures. Many recognise that players need regular football to develop and stay motivated.
At the same time, there is concern about further disruption to a squad still adapting to Glasner’s methods. Stability has been hard to achieve in recent seasons.
The recent club statement warning fans about a long-standing misogynistic chant has also shaped the mood. Forest have made clear that discriminatory behaviour will not be tolerated, with bans and education sessions possible for offenders.
Creating a positive and inclusive environment remains a priority for the club hierarchy. That message sits alongside the sporting challenges currently facing the team.
Balancing Ambition and Reality in January
Owner Evangelos Marinakis has consistently shown ambition since taking control. Significant investment has been made in the squad over successive windows.
Yet financial prudence and squad balance must also be considered. Allowing players who are not central to Glasner’s plans to leave can free up wages and create space for targeted additions.
John Victor and Arnaud Kalimuendo both fall into a category where their futures are genuinely uncertain. Neither is guaranteed a major role between now and the end of the season.
What Happens Next for the Duo
The coming weeks will prove decisive. Any firm offers for John Victor are likely to be given serious consideration, particularly if they provide him with the platform he desires.
Flamengo’s interest represents an attractive option for the goalkeeper. A return to Brazilian football could revive his career trajectory and international prospects.
For Kalimuendo, the situation is slightly different. Frankfurt’s continued pursuit suggests a deal could be structured if both clubs find common ground on the valuation.
Forest may prefer to retain the Frenchman until the summer. However, if minutes remain limited and the player’s frustration grows, a compromise in January cannot be ruled out.
Broader Squad Implications
Any departures would force Glasner to reassess his options. Depth in goal and attack would need careful management for the second half of the campaign.
Younger players or recent signings could be given greater opportunities. Alternatively, the club may move quickly to bring in temporary cover if key exits materialise.
The January window often rewards clubs that act decisively. Forest’s hierarchy will be monitoring developments closely as the weeks progress.
Looking Ahead to a Critical Period
Nottingham Forest’s season remains finely balanced. A strong run of results could lift them into mid-table comfort and reduce the urgency around squad changes.
Conversely, continued struggles would intensify scrutiny on both the playing staff and the recruitment strategy. January then becomes a pivotal moment rather than a routine opportunity.
John Victor’s desire for regular football and Arnaud Kalimuendo’s search for a bigger role are the clearest current indicators of potential movement. The signs are visible and the timeline is tightening.
Supporters will watch developments with interest. The next few weeks could shape not only the futures of these two players but also the direction of Forest’s campaign as a whole.
For now, the focus remains on the pitch. Glasner’s side must deliver improved performances and results if they are to ease the growing speculation surrounding the January window.
The story is still unfolding. Yet the early indicators suggest that at least one high-profile exit from the City Ground is a distinct possibility when the transfer market reopens.