It has been a relatively quiet start to the summer on the transfer front for Nottingham Forest as Nuno Espirito Santo’s players prepare to return for pre-season.
The Reds will be back at the Nigel Doughty Academy on Monday as the countdown begins to the 2025/26 campaign. But so far, few changes have been made to the squad - either in or out.
With the new term approaching, transfer activity is expected to ramp up in the coming weeks. Below, NottinghamshireLive takes a look at the latest Forest news and rumours.
Tipped to impress
It should not be long before Igor Jesus’ expected move to the City Ground from Botafogo is officially completed. And when he is unveiled as a Reds player, the striker has been backed to make a big impact in the Garibaldi.
Jesus is due to link up with Nuno’s squad this month, following a short break after his participation in the Club World Cup. He leaves Botafogo having made a hugely positive impression during his 12 months at the club.
And one of his Botafogo teammates is certain the 24-year-old will be equally as successful in the Premier League. In an interview with Brazilian publication Lance, goalkeeper John said of Jesus’ impending departure: “I wish him all the success in the world.
“He’s a good boy, a great player. He has a great future in Europe. I think he’ll shine a lot. I can imagine how upset he must be, because he wanted to stay here with us for as long as possible, but great players have also arrived to fill his shoes.”
Moving on
Academy chief Craig Mulholland has sent good wishes to the Reds youngsters who officially left the club earlier this week. June 30 represented the cut-off date for contracts expiring at the end of the 2024/25 season, with several B Team players among that cohort.
Forest were keen to express their gratitude for the contribution those players had made over the years. Some of those leaving had been at the club for more than a decade.
Mulholland, head of football development and talent management, said: “We wish all the lads well on the next stage of their journey. While they have all been with us for different lengths of time, they will take with them learnings and memories from their Forest experience that will stay with them forever.
“All of the staff at the club wish the lads well, and it is so pleasing to see so many already signed up and continuing their professional careers elsewhere. Alex Bailey, and his excellent well-being and player care team, will now stay in touch with all of the lads to ensure that they continue to receive all the care and help they require on the next exciting step in their careers.”
Sam Collins, Jack Nadin and Jack Perkins all joined the Reds before the age of 10 and went on to play in every age group before becoming key fixtures of the B Team. Nadin will continue his career with The New Saints, Perkins has signed for Northampton Town and Collins is now with Kings Lynn Town. Manni Norkett (Boston United), Harry Griffiths (Notts County), Will Brook and Connor Brown are also moving on.
Defender’s dilemma
Amid reports Forest are keen on Pablo Maffeo, the Mallorca right-back is said to be facing a ‘dilemma’. According to Spanish publication AS, the 27-year-old accepts it is time for ‘a change’ but he would prefer to stay in his Spanish homeland.
The problem for Maffeo is it will ‘not be easy’ to find a La Liga team willing to pay the reported €10 million (£8.6m) Mallorca want for him. That could put the Reds in a strong position - if they are willing to meet such a fee - but the player seems to be left weighing up what he considers to be best for his career.
Forest were said to have made a €6m (£5m) offer for Maffeo, who spent time at Manchester City as a youngster. However, Mallorca sporting director Pablo Ortells has dismissed those claims.
“As of today, Maffeo has a contract, and we’re counting on him. To date, nothing has arrived for Maffeo or (Cyle) Larin,” he told Onda Cero earlier this week.
Keeper competition
Patience is the order of the day when it comes to the Reds’ recruitment this summer. But it seems the club could be about to add a promising youngster to their ranks.
An offer has been made to free agent goalkeeper, Luke Campbell, according to The Mirror. Forest are said to have made a move to ‘hijack’ an attempt by Premier League rivals Crystal Palace to snap up the 19-year-old.
Campbell is a free agent following the expiration of his contract at Chelsea. He had come up through the ranks with the Blues, although did not make a senior appearance during his time with the club.
The Eagles were said to have held talks with Campbell. However, it is the Reds who are now ‘poised’ to secure his services for their B Team.
Do the club need to sell?
The saga surrounding Anthony Elanga’s future seems to still have some way to run. Forest are under no financial pressure to sell the winger but Newcastle United are not going away.
The Reds want to retain one of their prized assets. They certainly would not even consider letting him go for less than they feel he is worth.
What do you think the team needs?
The lack of signings shouldn’t be cause for concern just yet. This is an important summer for Forest and it is important they make the right decisions.
They are arguably shopping in a different market now than they have done in the past. Heading into their fourth successive season in the Premier League, it is not a massive overhaul they need but instead to stick to their recent plan of careful and considered business.
How many signings do Forest need this summer? Click HERE to have your say