Nottingham Forest’s Nicolás Domínguez targeted by River Plate in January loan plan

River Plate’s interest in Nottingham Forest midfielder Nicolás Domínguez has shifted from admiration to action, with fresh reports in Argentina outlining a clear January plan. While earlier claims suggested River Plate president Stefano Di Carlo was prepared to purchase the player outright, new information from Soy del Millo points toward a more cautious, financially manageable approach — a loan deal.

For Forest, Domínguez remains one of the squad’s more technically refined midfielders, yet his role under Sean Dyche has been inconsistent. With the winter window edging closer and River Plate undergoing a significant midfield transition, the situation now has the ingredients of a story worth watching. The Argentine giants need a successor to the outgoing Enzo Pérez, and Marcelo Gallardo has placed Domínguez at the top of his list.

But with Transfermarkt pricing the 27-year-old at around €18m and his Nottingham Forest contract running until 2028, the gap between ambition and reality is clear. River Plate admire the player. They want him. They just want him on their terms.

Soy del Millo reports that Gallardo has been directly involved in shaping River Plate’s January recruitment strategy. The club view the Nottingham Forest midfielder as the ideal replacement for 39-year-old Enzo Pérez, whose departure creates a sizeable gap in experience and leadership.

Yet despite Di Carlo’s supposed willingness to “make an effort” financially, the Argentine side have already accepted that matching Forest’s valuation is impossible. The plan instead is to “tempt” Domínguez with a loan move — a far less risky commitment and the only structure they believe is realistic.

There is, however, no indication that Forest or Domínguez himself are prepared to entertain the idea. Beside that Domínguez has started his last 3 games under Dyche for Forest.

From a Premier League standpoint, Forest are still managing squad depth while battling for every point in a congested winter schedule. Allowing a senior midfielder to leave mid-season — particularly without a compulsory purchase clause — would seem optimistic on River Plate’s side.

Although some Argentine sources paint this as a determined chase, other indications point to a far more complex negotiation. Forest may value Domínguez’s contribution even if his appearances have been sporadic. Dyche rarely allows depth players to depart unless the club has already secured suitable replacements.

In our view, River Plate’s preference for a loan is less a negotiation tactic and more an admission of the financial reality. Because Domínguez is contracted long-term and still adapting to English football, Forest would expect a meaningful fee or a guaranteed future sale clause — neither of which are being mentioned in Argentina.

Another nuance often overlooked is player motivation. Domínguez returned to form late last season and may be reluctant to leave a top European league unless River Plate’s pitch is compelling. Although South American clubs can be persuasive, it’s worth questioning whether a temporary move benefits him professionally, especially in a World Cup cycle.

From a tactical standpoint, Domínguez fits Gallardo’s profile: press-resistant, tidy in build-up, and smart in defensive positioning. But Forest need those qualities as well. Unless a new signing is lined up, it’s difficult to imagine Dyche approving a January departure. That said, if the player pushes for more minutes — and Gallardo’s interest becomes public — the calculation could shift quickly.

A key angle here is Forest’s midfield depth, which has been stretched at times due to minor injuries and fixture congestion. With Brighton visiting the City Ground on Sunday, Domínguez is likely to be in the squad and might start again. Under Dyche he has started 3 games already. If Forest reinforce early in the window — something they have done aggressively in past January periods — the door to a loan could open. But if performances or injuries tighten the squad, River Plate may find the pathway blocked before talks even begin.

Nottingham Forest host Brighton on Sunday, a match that could influence Domínguez’s immediate future. River Plate are expected to continue pushing behind the scenes, but until Forest clarify their January strategy, all options remain in flux.

👉 Forest fans — should the club consider loaning Domínguez out, or does he still have a key role to play this season?