Why Nottingham Forest are one of this summer's winners so far

Forest finished in 16th place in last season's Premier League, and despite a Europa League semi-final, it felt like a slightly underwhelming year as they went through four different managers across the term. 

But they have made big changes this summer, with a new man in the dugout and some shrewd deals, it looks like Forest are one to keep an eye on in 2026-27. 

A winner at the helm

When Oliver Glasner announced his departure from Crystal Palace back in January, it was widely anticipated he would return to mainland Europe.

So his appointment at Forest came as a surprise to many, but looks to be one of this year's best hires.

Glasner is an astute choice; his disciplined system will pose a transitional threat alongside solidity, which Forest have lacked since sacking Nuno Espírito Santo at the start of last season.

After going through four permanent managers last season, there will be a desire for Glasner to provide stability in that department.

When the Austrian joined Palace, they had never won a trophy. He left the Eagles with three, including the FA Cup and Europa Conference League.

It has been 36 years since Forest last won a major trophy. Could Glasner have a similar impact?

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Clever business so far

So far, the business done by Nottingham Forest looks strong.

Bringing in Xaver Schlager on a free from RB Leipzig is a smart deal, with the midfielder having previously played under Glasner at Wolfsburg.

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Ousmane Diomande is the most recent arrival, the 22-year-old, who joined from Sporting Lisbon, is highly regarded as one of the best young centre-backs around.

The Ivorian will likely line up alongside Murillo and Nikola Milenković, which on paper appears to be a strong back three, akin to the one Glasner used at Palace.

However, more is needed. Forest have the money, and if they are to finish higher up, further reinforcements are a must.

A record-breaking transfer

The big story surrounding Forest this summer was always going to be Elliot Anderson's exit.

There were several European heavyweights interested in Anderson, including both Manchester sides.

City made two approaches that were swatted away by Forest before a third deal met their valuation of the Englishman and he packed his bags for Manchester.

Anderson moved for £116m, a record fee for a British player, until it was eclipsed by Morgan Rogers' move to Chelsea less than a month later.

If you are going to sell a player, there's no better outcome than a record-breaking fee, but it's now how Forest use the cash injection to help fill the void the England star has left. 

Retaining the other stars

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There was a sense of inevitability about Anderson leaving this summer, but it could have been more.

Morgan Gibbs-White looks set to stay in Nottingham and will be aiming to continue the fine form he showed at the end of last season.

The midfielder was on the verge of joining Tottenham last summer before the deal collapsed and then went on to score 18 goals in a standout campaign. 

Murillo is another who has been linked with moves away, but has recently signed a contract at the City Ground until 2030, while full-back Neco Williams has been linked with a move to Newcastle and Manchester United this summer, but no move has materialised yet.

If they can keep the rest of their squad together and reinvest the rest of the Anderson money, with Glasner in charge, Forest could be in for a very exciting year ahead.

 

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