Rabiu AminuNottingham Forest Poised to Complete Jack Hinshelwood Signing Ahead of Crucial West Ham Clash
Nottingham Forest are on the brink of securing their first major addition of the January transfer window, with Brighton & Hove Albion’s highly-rated young midfielder Jack Hinshelwood set to complete a move to the City Ground in the coming days—just in time to potentially feature in Tuesday’s pivotal Premier League showdown against West Ham United at the London Stadium.
The 20-year-old English talent, who has impressed with his composure, vision, and versatility in Brighton’s midfield, has been a long-standing target for the Reds. Manager Sean Dyche sees Hinshelwood as the ideal reinforcement to add energy and creativity to a squad battling to pull clear of the relegation zone. With Forest enduring a difficult run of four successive league defeats, including a 3-1 loss at Aston Villa, the need for fresh legs and quality in the engine room has become urgent.
Negotiations have accelerated rapidly, with personal terms reportedly agreed and a medical now scheduled in Nottingham. The transfer fee is expected to hover around £25-30 million, depending on add-ons linked to appearances and future achievements. This would represent a significant investment from owner Evangelos Marinakis, who has backed Dyche to steady the ship after a turbulent first half of the 2025-26 season.
Hinshelwood’s arrival comes at a perfect moment. Forest currently sit 17th in the table, just four points above the drop zone, with West Ham—managed by former Reds boss Nuno Espírito Santo—languishing in 18th and desperate for points. Tuesday’s clash (kick-off 8:00 PM GMT) is a classic six-pointer, where a victory for Forest could create breathing space and build momentum under Dyche’s pragmatic style.
The young midfielder’s Premier League experience, combined with his ability to dictate tempo and contribute defensively, fits seamlessly into Dyche’s preferred setup. Forest supporters are already excited about the potential impact, viewing this as a statement signing that signals the club’s determination to survive and thrive.
Dyche has been vocal about the need for reinforcements, emphasizing squad depth amid injuries and a congested schedule that includes Europa League commitments. “We’re fighting for every point, and adding quality like Jack will give us more options and belief,” he is understood to have told the squad in recent meetings.If the deal is finalized swiftly, Hinshelwood could even be in contention for a debut appearance against West Ham, adding extra spice to the occasion—facing a side in similar peril. For Nottingham Forest, this move is more than a squad tweak; it’s a clear message of intent as they look to turn their season around.
As preparations intensify for the London Stadium showdown, all eyes are on the City Ground to confirm one of January’s most promising young talents joining the Tricky Trees at a defining moment.
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