Crickex Exclusive: Forest’s Triple Deadline Day Coup Analyzed
Nottingham Forest have pulled off one of the most strategic January transfer windows in recent Premier League history, securing three elite signings that could redefine their survival battle. Crickex breaks down how Costa Rican legend Keylor Navas, midfield maestro Jonjo Shelvey, and Atletico Madrid’s battle-hardened defender Felipe transform Steve Cooper’s squad.
Tactical Upgrades: How Each Signing Changes Forest’s Game
Navas: A Short-Term Fix With Long-Term Impact
The 36-year-old goalkeeper arrives on loan from PSG as emergency cover for injured Dean Henderson. With 3 Champions League titles and 110 international caps, Navas provides:
- Big-game mentality: Crucial for high-pressure matches like this weekend’s Leeds clash
- Shot-stopping superiority: 78.4% save percentage in Ligue 1 this season (Opta)
- Leadership: Organizes defenses – something Forest‘s backline desperately needs
“Navas is the ultimate professional,” says Crickex pundit Mark Thompson. “His presence alone lifts the entire squad’s standards.”
Shelvey: The Midfield Metronome
After 7 years at Newcastle, the English midfielder brings:
- Premier League experience: 255 appearances, 25 goals
- Range of passing: 87.2% accuracy this season (WhoScored)
- Set-piece threat: 4 goals from outside the box since 2020
Shelvey’s emotional St James’ Park farewell precedes new Forest chapter
Felipe: Defensive Steel From La Liga
The 33-year-old Brazilian center-back offers:
- Title-winning experience: 2020-21 La Liga champion
- Aerial dominance: 63.1% duel success rate in UCL this season
- Tactical flexibility: Comfortable in back 3 or 4 systems
The Bigger Picture: Forest’s 29-Signing Strategy
Since promotion, Forest‘s recruitment has been unprecedented:
Key Permanent Deals
- Morgan Gibbs-White (£25m)
- Taiwo Awoniyi (£17.5m)
- Neco Williams (£17m)
Loan Masterstrokes
- Renan Lodi (Atletico)
- Dean Henderson (Man Utd)
- Now Navas (PSG)
“This isn’t scattergun spending,” notes Crickex analyst Sarah Bennett. “Each signing addresses specific weaknesses in Cooper’s system.”
Immediate Impact: Leeds Test Looms Large
Navas could debut in Saturday’s six-pointer against Leeds if:
- Henderson fails fitness test
- Work permit clears in time
Shelvey and Felipe are expected to feature, with the former likely partnering Remo Freuler in midfield.
Why This Matters for Premier League Survival
Forest‘s new signings provide:
- Experience: 1,000+ combined top-flight appearances
- Leadership: 3 new voices in dressing room
- Depth: Critical for injury-plagued squad
“These moves show ambition beyond mere survival,” observes former Forest striker Nigel Clough on Crickex. “They’re building for the future while addressing immediate needs.”
Crickex Verdict: Grade A Business
While critics question Forest‘s spending, these three signings demonstrate savvy targeting:
- Navas: World-class stopgap
- Shelvey: Premier League-proven creator
- Felipe: Defensive organizer
With 18 games remaining, these additions could be the difference between survival and relegation. As Crickex tactical review shows, Forest aren’t just signing players – they’re solving problems.
Will these signings keep Forest up? Share your thoughts with Crickex below!
