Nottingham Forest has released the list of players they will keep for the upcoming season, and fans have been left astonished that one particular player remains with the club. Nuno Santo`s team had a remarkable Premier League season in 2024/25, securing a return to European football after a thirty-year absence.
Forest revealed their retained list on Monday as they prepare for a busy summer transfer window. Experienced centre-back Willy Boly has been offered a new contract at the City Ground, and former Wales international goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey is also in discussions with the club about extending his contract.
However, one name on the retained list, which many had forgotten, caught the attention of supporters.
Forward Emmanuel Dennis joined the club in 2022 for £10 million. He has made only 25 appearances across all competitions for Forest, scoring just two goals. Dennis spent the majority of last season out on loan at Blackburn Rovers. This followed previous temporary spells at Turkish club Istanbul Basaksehir and his former side, Watford.
Dennis`s current contract runs until June 2026, but some fans argue that it is already time for him to depart the club.
One fan expressed frustration, commenting: “Can we just rip up the Dennis contract please and pay him off.” Another agreed on social media platform X: “Financially, it makes sense to give Dennis away for free if anyone will take him.” A third supporter added: “Probably 10 of the retained list also need to depart this summer in some shape or form.”
In contrast to players staying, Forest also published a heartfelt farewell message for Harry Toffolo, who signed for the club in 2022. Toffolo is confirmed as the only player to leave the City Ground on a free transfer this summer.
The full-back joined from Huddersfield after Forest defeated them in the Championship playoff final three years ago. A club statement acknowledged his significant contribution, stating: “Since his arrival… Toffolo has made an invaluable contribution not only on the pitch, but also off it.” The statement highlighted his role as an ambassador for the club`s mental health program, `Tricky to Talk`, where he shared his own experiences and listened to others.
The announcement of his departure also follows an incident in 2023 where Toffolo avoided a full ban after admitting to 375 breaches of betting rules that occurred between 2014 and 2017 during his earlier career. He was given a suspended five-month ban, effective until the end of the 2024/25 season, and a fine by an independent regulatory commission for the misconduct.
The club concluded their statement wishing Harry “every success for the future” as he embarks on a new chapter.
