Although the sale of Michail Antonio was unavoidable, it has had a two-pronged effect on Forest's short and long-term prospects.
It has enabled Freedman to beef up his attacking options with the signings of Chris O'Grady, Nelson Oliveira and Ryan Mendes and, speaking to the Nottingham Post it is clear that the manager believes Mendes in particular can make a real impact at the City Ground.
Finding the goals (from all areas of the pitch) to replace Antonio and the injured Britt Assombalonga will be key if the Reds are to keep their heads above the relegation scrap with many of the the teams currently below them in the league having trouble finding the back of the net.
For the future of the club it means that the transfer embargo should be lifted by next summer at the latest although a more sensible recruitment path will hopefully become the norm from now on.