On paper, Nottingham Forest are going to be one of the most intriguing sides to watch in the Championship this season. The Tricky Trees finished at the 17th spot in the league standings last season and were 22 points adrift of the nearest playoff berth. However, they have been taking big steps in the ongoing transfer window to beef up their ranks for this season.
Aitor Karanka has splashed a lot of cash to make some interesting signings in Joao Carvalho, Lewis Grabban, El Arbi Hillel Soudani and Tobias Figueiredo but is still pretty active in the transfer window. As per one of the latest reports by Nottingham Post, the Reds are keen to lure West Ham United outcast, Sam Byram, to the City Ground to tighten the screws at the back.
An output of Leeds United’s youth academy, Byram showcased immense calibre and potential and was elevated to the senior side of The Whites. He established himself as one of the household names in English football and his dazzling displays in the Championship persuaded the Hammers to make him sign on the dotted line in the January transfer window of 2016.
However, he has hardly been able to make his presence felt in the Premier League and was virtually sidelined last season as he garnered just 2 starts in the English top flight. At the moment, the Englishman is surplus to the requirements of Pellegrini in the ranks of the London based outfit as they have Ryan Fredericks and Pablo Zabaleta to cater to the right-back slot. Thus, Forest are optimistic about landing Byram on loan.
Capable of plying his trade as a right-back as well as on the right wing, Byram is someone who has the fire in his belly to make an impact. He gallops up and down the pitch with relative ease and not only does he create chances for his teammates but is not shy to take a punt at goal now and then. His youthful outlook allows him to fight till the end and if exposed to the right guidance along with opportunities, Byram is someone who can certainly develop to be a star player for whichever team he plays for in future.
Karanka does have some right-back issues and they would strike gold if they manage to grab a loan deal for Byram. The lad’s career has clearly stagnated and he will welcome a change in scenery this season.
