Nottingham Forest summer arrivals Omari Hutchinson and Douglas Luiz will be among the biggest winners following the decision to replace the sacked Nuno Espirito Santo with Ange Postecoglou in the City Ground dugout as they are tailor-made for the incoming head coach's preferred style of play.
The Tricky Trees' recruitment drive was spearheaded by global head of football Edu, who took on the newly-established leadership role in July, and owner Evangelos Marinakis showed a willingness to splash the cash after sealing European qualification and flirting with the Premier League's top three last term.
Dan Ndoye was among Nottingham Forest's most expensive acquisitions before the transfer window slammed shut last week, with the wide forward completing a £34million switch from Bologna, but Hutchinson and Luiz are in line to become the main beneficiaries as Postecoglou sets about making his mark.
Hutchinson and Luiz Will Thrive After Change
Douglas Luiz during a pre-match warm-up with Nottingham Forest
Edu has already signed two players who are perfect for Postecoglou, with those being Hutchinson and Luiz, and they will be overjoyed that the former Tottenham Hotspur boss has been handed the chance to build on the success Nottingham Forest enjoyed under the sacked Nuno.
The Greek-Australian tactician enjoys handing lightning-fast wingers the opportunity to express themselves, which will play into Hutchinson's hands following his club-record £37.5million switch from Championship side Ipswich Town, while he also demands his players to regain possession high up the pitch.
Ball-winning central midfielder Luiz, who has been described as 'world-class' by ex-Aston Villa teammate John McGinn, will profit from those situations after heading back to the Premier League in an attempt to reignite his career following an underwhelming spell on the books of Serie A heavyweights Juventus.
Douglas Luiz Juventus statistics 2024-25
Although the Brazil international has only joined the Tricky Trees on an initial season-long loan, there is scope to make him a permanent member of the squad for close to £26million and there should be an expectation that he will become one of the first names on the team sheet under Postecoglou.
Edu's decision to get deals over the line for Hutchinson and Luiz could turn out to be a masterstroke, following the alteration in the hot-seat, and both of them could see ambitious owner Marinakis' decision to wield the axe as a blessing in disguise as they aim to make an impact in the colours of Nottingham Forest.
Hutchinson Frustrated After Squad Omission
Omari Hutchinson in action for the England under-21 side
Hutchinson will have been frustrated after being left out of the Nottingham Forest squad for the league phase of the Europa League, particularly because the opportunity to be involved in a continental competition would have been a major selling point when convincing him to join, meaning he will be pleased with the change in the hot-seat.
The playmaker headed to the City Ground in high spirits, having played a pivotal role in the England under-21 side winning the European Championships during the summer, so being deprived of the chance to compete in the tournament would have been a significant shock to the system.
Postecoglou is capable of getting the best out of Hutchinson and Luiz, who will end up costing a combined total of close to £64million if the latter's loan is made permanent, so expect them to thrive and feature regularly as Nottingham Forest prepare to get the new era underway with a trip to Premier League title challengers Arsenal this weekend.
GIVEMESPORT senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs revealed earlier on Tuesday that the Tricky Trees love the incoming chief's attack-minded style of play, with Marinakis having concerns over his predecessor's philosophy, so considerable changes are in the offing at the City Ground.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 09/09/2025
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