Emmanuel Dennis’ future at Nottingham Forest appears uncertain after he was left out of the club’s Premier League squad for the 2024-2025 season. The Nigerian forward was not included in the 24 man list submitted by Forest following the closure of the summer transfer window, rendering him ineligible to play in the first half of the Premier League season.
Dennis, who had not featured in Forest’s first three games of the new season, seems to be out of favour with manager Nuno Espírito Santo. Despite featuring in pre season matches against Chesterfield and Sunderland, Dennis has struggled to make an impact since joining Forest from Watford, securing just nine starts over two seasons.
Although transfer windows in Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Israel remain open for a short time, it remains unclear whether Dennis will seek a move to one of these leagues in search of playing time.
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In contrast, Dennis’ fellow Nigerian internationals Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi were included in Forest’s squad, both of whom qualify as homegrown players under the Premier League’s regulations. Dennis now faces an uncertain future as he weighs his next move.
Editorial
Emmanuel Dennis’ omission from Nottingham Forest’s Premier League squad should raise serious questions about his future at the club. This exclusion, especially after his limited appearances in the past two seasons, signals a clear indication that he may not fit into Nuno Espírito Santo’s plans. As fans of Nigerian football, it’s disappointing to see such a talented player struggle to find his place in a team where his skill set could be valuable.
Dennis’ situation is not unique many players face challenges adapting to new clubs or systems, but what’s alarming here is the length of time Dennis has been on the periphery. His time at Forest has seen him relegated to a minor role, and the fact that he hasn’t been able to force his way into the starting lineup consistently is concerning.
Perhaps it’s time for Dennis to seriously consider moving to another club, possibly in Turkey or Israel, where he could play regular football and reignite his career. His talent is evident, but without game time, it’s impossible for him to show his worth.
We believe Dennis still has much to offer, whether in England or elsewhere. The key now is finding the right environment where he can thrive and play with the confidence that earned him recognition during his time at Watford and Club Brugge. It’s never easy to make such decisions, but for his career’s sake, a change may be necessary.
It’s not all bad news for Nigerian players at Nottingham Forest, as Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi were included in the squad as homegrown players. Their inclusion is a testament to their performances and adaptability within the squad, and we look forward to seeing them continue to shine. Let’s hope that Dennis can follow suit and return to the level that earned him international recognition.
Did You Know?
- Emmanuel Dennis scored his first Premier League goal for Watford against Aston Villa in August 2021.
- He played in the UEFA Champions League for Club Brugge, where he famously scored twice against Real Madrid.
- Dennis made nine starts for Nottingham Forest in two seasons, contributing three goals and two assists.
- The Turkish transfer window remains open until mid September, offering a potential escape route for players like Dennis.
- Ola Aina, another Nigerian at Nottingham Forest, previously played for Chelsea and Fulham in the Premier League.
