The journey of promotion into the Premier League is overcome by the tremendous effort of a squad, however, for certain individuals the prize of top flight football despite their efforts in the second tier - isn't afforded to them. 

Henrik Dalsgaard and Emiliano Marcondes have been impressive figures in the Brentford squad under the watchful eye of fellow Danish international and manager - Thomas Frank

Frank has implemented an attractive and intense attacking style of play since arriving at the Bees, with both Marcondes and Dalsgaard being part of the journey since 2017, as Brentford graced the Sky Bet Championship with their tremendous football. 

At 31 (Dalsgaard) and 26 (Marcondes) respectively, the Bees have decided to let the pair leave the club at the end of their contract, diminishing the dream of Premier League football for the duo. 

Risk free for the Reds 

Unlike Dalsgaard who featured 35 times in the Championship for Brentford this campaign, Marcondes isn't a mainstay in the Bees’ first team, starting just 12 matches this past term. However, he crucially provided an assist in Brentford's second leg semi-final turnaround against AFC Bournemouth, as well as scoring and running out as man of the match on the big stage at Wembley, when the Bees dispatched Swansea City 2-0 to confirm promotion to the Premier League. 

With both players being out of contract, a deal for either player would cost nothing - making it a hugely risk free transfer for Chris Hughton's side, whilst also adding depth in positions that Forest could do with reshaping. 

Out with the old, in with the new 

The return of Fulham loanee Cyrus Christie to his parent club has vacated a spot in the Forest XI. However, Jordan Gabriel will be keen to impress Hughton over pre season after a successful loan spell at promoted Blackpool last campaign. 

Nonetheless, Dalsgaard would be an astute piece of business and would afford Gabriel the time to not be rushed into first team action. Despite the 31-year-old preferring to play in the right back position, he could also offer versatility as an additional centre back option, if needed for the Reds

It remains to be seen the future of Forest's record signing Joao Carvalho, following the return from his loan at Spanish second division side - UD Almeria.

The Portuguese attacking midfielder failed to score during his loan spell, but yielded three assists, which wasn't enough for Almeria to activate their option of buying the 24-year-old this summer. 

With that being said, it would be surprising if Hughton didn't explore the market for an attacking midfielder this summer, to help link the midfield and attack, in order to assist Forest with creativity and in the goal scoring department. 

Marcondes would be a great coup on a free transfer, adding flair, creativity and Championship experience, which steers away from the short term fix transfer policy that Forest have had in recent times. 

The 26-year-old attacking midfielder is likely to spark big interest from a plethora of Championship rivals, but Forest should ensure they put an offer on the table and snap up Marcondes on a healthy financial deal. 

Hughton is keen to add fresh faces to the dressing room this summer after a catalogue of exits, so Dalsgaard and Marcondes are two options the Reds should assess - with just a weekly wage agreement being the only fee needed to secure the Danish duos signatures. 

VAVEL Logo
About the author