This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
Nottingham Forest are flying this season, with Sabri Lamouchi's side currently second in the Championship on goal difference to West Brom and unbeaten in 10 league matches.
One player who has been been unable to break into the starting XI though is 32-year-old goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon who has fallen behind Brice Samba and Arijanet Muric in the pecking order this season, with Nottinghamshire Live reporter Barry Cooper suggesting the Romanian is likely to leave the City Ground in January.
What do you make of this Pantilimon update? Would it be the right decision to offload the goalkeeper in January?
We discuss.........
Sam Rourke
"It makes sense for him to go.
"Quite simply, the ex-Watford keeper is well down the pecking order at the City Ground with Brice Samba and Aro Muric firmly ahead of him in the line for the number one shirt at the club.
"Pantilimon failed to deliver any form of consistency last season when he was playing more, and with him no nearer the current starting eleven, a move away from the City Ground makes perfect sense come January.
"I'm confident he can go get regular playing time elsewhere whether it be in England or abroad, but it will not be coming at Forest anytime soon.
Josh Cole
“This news comes as no surprise as Pantilimon has been forced to watch on from the sidelines this season at the City Ground.
“Despite producing a number of impressive displays for the Reds during the previous campaign, the Romania international has failed to leave a lasting impression on manager Sabri Lamouchi.
“Currently below Arijanet Muric and Brice Samba in the pecking order at Forest, Pantilimon has yet to make a single appearance for the club this year.
“In need of a fresh start which will guarantee him the opportunity to play regular first-team football, the former Manchester City man may find it beneficial to leave the Reds in January.”
George Harbey
“I think it would be best for both parties if Pantilimon was to leave the City Ground in the January transfer window.
“He’s a vastly experienced player who is arguably too good to be sitting on the bench week in week out, but Brice Samba has been outstanding since arriving on Trentside.
“Pantilimon had his fair share of critics last season, but he was solid enough in between the sticks, and pulled off a host of saves to claim some good results for the Reds.
“But he’s fallen so far down the pecking order under Lamouchi, and with younger players ahead of him, he needs to leave the club and start afresh in my opinion."
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