Aston Villa decided to loan out left-back Alex Moreno to Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest and it’s proving to be a fruitful decision for both parties.
Alex Moreno played a vital role for Aston Villa last term, featuring 26 times in all competitions as Unai Emery’s side qualified for the Champions League.
The 31-year-old was expected to remain at Villa Park this term but once Villa signed Ian Maatsen in a £37.5 million transfer from Chelsea, Emery needed to shift one of Lucas Digne or Moreno out.
The Spaniard chose to loan Moreno out to Nottingham Forest and that is proving to be an inspired decision as it’s allowed Digne to become one of Villa’s most important players.
Alex Moreno’s stats for Nottingham Forest so far this season
When Moreno signed for the Reds late on in the transfer window, few could have envisaged the start his new team were about to have.
Forest are currently in the mix for the top four under Nuno Espirito Santo and sit in fifth position – one point above Aston Villa.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 5 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 19 |
| 6 |  BrightonBrighton | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 19 | 15 | 4 | 19 |
| 7 |  FulhamFulham | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 16 | 13 | 3 | 18 |
| 8 |  NewcastleNewcastle | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 13 | 11 | 2 | 18 |
| 9 |  Aston VillaAston Villa | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 17 | 17 | 0 | 18 |
| 10 |  TottenhamTottenham | 11 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 23 | 13 | 10 | 16 |
| 11 |  BrentfordBrentford | 11 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 22 | 22 | 0 | 16 |
| 12 |  B’mouthBournemouth | 11 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 15 | 15 | 0 | 15 |
Moreno has contributed heavily to their fantastic start, having started in each of his eight Premier League games since arriving at the City Ground.
The left-back has proven to be a source of creativity down the wing, ranking in the top 21% of top-flight fullbacks for assists per 90 and successful take-ons, as per FBref.
Moreno has also created two big chances and grabbed one assist so far, endearing himself wonderfully to the Forest faithful.
Nottingham Forest expert shares verdict on Aston Villa’s Alex Moreno
Speaking to Aston Villa News, Nottingham Forest writer and expert Lee Clarke gave his verdict on Moreno.
When asked how the Spaniard has done so far, he started: “Pure class! The fact he’s left-footed has added balance to the defensive unit as we often played with Ola Aina – a right-footer – at left-back last season.
“I confess I was uncertain about his hamstring history when he signed but there have been no ill effects in that sense so far. Moreno is established on the left in the team now and he’s a 7/10 at the very least in every single game.”
Moreno has been a crucial figure for Espirito Santo and with his contract at Villa Park expiring in 2026, perhaps Forest could explore a permanent deal for the defender and Clarke is fully behind the idea of the Reds striking a transfer in the summer.
He added: “100% yes! Okay, he’s 31 but our squad is young and his experience would make him a useful addition to the ranks.
“Moreno is already a fan favourite at the City Ground and he was sent over to the away end on fist pump duty after a recent win over Leicester.”
It remains to be seen whether Villa would be willing to sell Moreno in the summer but if they do, it sounds like Forest could jump to the front of the queue.
