An unusual calmness dictated Nottingham Forest’s transfer window, a stark but pleasing contrast from recent summers.

Six additions arrived on Trentside, less than half of last summer’s tally, with five set to be part of Oliver Glasner’s squad for the upcoming season, after Gustavo Sa joined Olympiacos on loan.

Of the five who will form part of Glasner’s squad, four were handpicked targets of the Austrian, some of whom he has wanted to sign for considerable time.

The summer transfer window may have been quieter than fans have become accustomed to, but that is not inherently a bad thing. Glasner was backed, and the club carried out a series of astute pick-ups.

Just two weeks ago, Glasner was clear about the club’s plans for transfers in what remains of the transfer window.

"It will be one or two [new signings], I'm very confident, no more," he insisted. "We already know the players we want to bring in, and now it's just about getting the deals done.

Since those remarks, Forest completed the signing of Liam Delap, for a club-record £50 million deal, including add-ons, and also signed Daniel Munoz from Crystal Palace, fulfilling both demands.

But Glasner’s public comments fell short of the club’s true desire in the transfer market, because they had also sought an additional midfielder, as evidenced by bids for Harrison Armstrong and Trey Nyoni in the final days of the window.

Xaver Schlager reunited with Glasner as the Austrian’s first signing to bolster the midfield, but after losing a player of Elliot Anderson’s stature, there was an appetite to go further.

But, like with the rest of the Reds’ previous transfer activity, they were not seeking a body, but a specific profile.

Glasner himself confirmed this, saying, “We can’t replace him one-to-one, because he’s doing so well, but yes we’ve identified the profile of midfielders that we want to add,” at his unveiling in July.

Ultimately, suitable players that matched that profile, to accompany Schlager, were not available, but it was not for a lack of trying on Forest’s behalf.

Forest saw bids rejected for Bergvall earlier in the window, had the door slammed in their face when they formalised an offer for Trey Nyoni over the bank holiday weekend, but most significantly had a bid accepted for Harrison Armstrong.

The young Everton midfielder was viewed as a player who can add quality, as well as boasting a high ceiling, all while not needing to be registered in the Reds’ Premier League squad due to his age.

In many ways, he was seen as a perfect fit.

But news of the bid broke shortly before Everton’s game away at Bournemouth on Saturday, and the Toffees’ fans’ reaction, both at the Vitality Stadium and on social media, sent a clear message to their board.

So strong was the message, that the club’s hierarchy reneged on the agreement, after giving the 19-year-old the green light to travel for a medical – which he had not yet done.

Without trying to make excuses, it was, in a way, refreshing that Forest missed out on a second midfielder. 

Of course, missing out on targets is never in itself a good thing, but the reaction was pleasing, as Forest did not panic into spending money on an alternative who they did not really want - a sense of calmness that has so often been absent during the club’s recruitment.

There is a notable void of natural central defenders in the squad. Following the loan departures of Morato and Zach Abbott, Forest have just four natural centre-backs: new signing Ousmane Diomande, Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo and talented youngster Jair Cunha.

This is notably low depth, especially in a three-at-the-back system, like the one we know Glasner has, and will deploy. For context, he had seven players who could comfortably play the role during his last non-European season with Crystal Palace.Ola

Nicola Savona and Ola Aina have, for relatively brief periods in their careers, played in a back three, both being suited to the right-hand side.

Yates has also shown some ability to play there during pre-season, but to say he is comfortable would be a reach.

And whether you include the aforementioned options or not, the lack of left-sided depth is startling.

Without the added games that Europe brings, Forest could be fine. After all, they have just 16 games until the January transfer window opens.

But it feels like something of a risk. They will spend the foreseeable future knowing that they are just one injury or suspension away from the start of a potentially long and serious headache.

Very good. Forest acted efficiently to get the vast majority of their key targets through the door, substantially backing Glasner in the process. And when they missed out, there was no panic. Refreshing.

Like any transfer window, hindsight will be a better judge than anyone in the present, but the signs are positive. Players picked by the head coach, who suit his style and desired profiles to bolster his squad.

Things will not click immediately, but when they do, Forest have built the bulk of a very capable squad which should, on paper, be able to push up the Premier League table.