Championship clubs Norwich City and Luton Town are reportedly in a heated contest for Lewis O’Brien of Nottingham Forest. O’Brien’s stint at the City Ground has been less than ideal. After transferring from Huddersfield Town, the dynamic midfielder featured in 13 Premier League matches during Forest’s initial season back in the top division but soon found himself out of favor.

O’Brien’s season took another turn when a temporary contract with MLS’s D.C. United materialized following a failed loan move to Blackburn Rovers due to paperwork issues. His subsequent season with Middlesbrough was marred by a fractured tibia and a damaged ankle, leading to yet another frustrating campaign.

Now, it appears likely that O’Brien will return to the Championship, with Norwich City and newly-relegated Luton Town vying for his signature. According to a report on Alan Nixon’s Patreon, as relayed by the Pink Un, both clubs are eager to secure the services of the sidelined Forest midfielder. Forest, on the other hand, reportedly favors a permanent transfer over another loan move.

This push to offload O’Brien is part of Forest’s broader strategy to address ongoing concerns related to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations. Norwich’s interest is particularly relevant as transfers of their key players Gabriel Sara and Kenny McLean to Roma and Rangers, respectively, seem imminent.

Although O’Brien’s tenure at Forest might suggest otherwise, his capabilities are suited for top-level Championship play, and under more favorable circumstances, he could potentially make an impact in the Premier League. His skills in breaking up possession, pressing off the ball, and advancing play make him a valuable asset for any team in the second tier.

The departure of manager Carlos Corberan to Olympiakos further expedited Huddersfield Town’s decline following their loss to Forest in the 2021/22 play-off final. Losing O’Brien has been a significant blow for Huddersfield, with many fans still lamenting their inability to find a worthy replacement.

The departure of manager Carlos Corberan to Olympiakos was the final blow for Huddersfield Town following their defeat in the 2021/22 play-off final. Losing O’Brien added to their troubles, with fans feeling a suitable replacement has yet to be found. At 25, O’Brien still has potential to excel if he finds the right setup and avoids injuries. With Forest facing financial constraints, a loan move with an option to buy could be beneficial for clubs like Norwich and Luton. Championship teams should act fast to secure O’Brien’s signature this summer, with Norwich and Luton leading the race.