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Nigeria international Emmanuel Dennis could be on his way out of Nottingham Forest, with Rangers joining Championship sides Sheffield Wednesday and Watford in the race for his signature, Soccernet.football reports.
Dennis has endured a difficult spell at the City Ground, finding himself completely frozen out under manager Nuno Espírito Santo.
The forward has not featured in a competitive match for Forest since May 2023, when he made an appearance against Crystal Palace. Since then, he has not even made the bench, leaving his future at the club in serious doubt.
Scottish giants Rangers are now reportedly monitoring Dennis’ situation as they seek reinforcements in attack.
With fellow Super Eagles forward Cyriel Dessers expected to leave Ibrox in January, Dennis has emerged as a potential replacement. However, the Gers will face competition from England, with both Watford and Sheffield Wednesday keen on securing his services.
According to Alan Nixon of The Sun, Rangers are “monitoring the situation” closely, while Watford, where Dennis enjoyed a successful spell, and Sheffield Wednesday, who are looking to bolster their attacking options, are also in the mix.
Dennis was once considered one of the most exciting forwards in European football.
Former Juventus, Ajax, and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Sunday Oliseh previously described him as “extremely talented,” while ex-Arsenal winger Adrian Clarke hailed him as a “revelation” during his time in the Premier League.
He Is Extremely talented, fast, technical, strong and scores goals! Always a pleasure to watch our Nigeria’s own Emmanuel Dennis play for Brugge. Man. U’s defence-line can testify. He is definitely knocking on the door of the big leagues. #CluMnu pic.twitter.com/WQqWaDo9O4
— Sunday Oliseh (@SundayOOliseh) February 20, 2020
The Nigerian first rose to prominence in October 2019 when he scored twice for Club Brugge in a stunning 2-2 Champions League draw against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. He further proved his quality in the Europa League, scoring against Manchester United.
However, his time at Brugge ended controversially. Ahead of a Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund, Dennis was left out of the squad for disciplinary reasons.
Spanish journalist Miguel Val of Marca reported that the incident stemmed from a confrontation on the team bus because someone else had taken his preferred seat. The Brugge manager at the time? None other than Philippe Clement, who now manages Rangers.
After a short loan spell at Köln, Dennis joined Watford for a bargain £3.6m in 2021. He shone in the Premier League, netting ten goals in the 2021/22 season—more than all but 19 players in the league. However, despite his efforts, Watford were relegated.
His performances earned him a £20m move to Nottingham Forest in August 2022, but his time at the club has been disappointing, with just two goals in 25 appearances.
Last season, Dennis was sent on loan to İstanbul Başakşehir before returning to Watford. Now, at 27, he is searching for a fresh start, having not played a competitive fixture in 276 days and counting.
A move in January looks increasingly likely, with Rangers, Watford, and Sheffield Wednesday all keeping close tabs on the situation.
