The starting gun has been fired on an important summer at the City Ground as Nottingham Forest begin to look ahead to the 2025/26 campaign.
Building on the great strides made last time around will be the aim for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. They also have European football to prepare for, having qualified for the UEFA Conference League.
It is all set up to be a big few months for the Reds, especially as the transfer window is now open. Below, NottinghamshireLive takes a look at the latest goings on Trentside.
Triple transfer raid
Forest are said to be close to sealing a triple transfer raid on Brazilian club Botafogo. Deals for striker Igor Jesus, centre-back Jair Cunha and left-back Cuiabano are in the pipeline.
No movement is expected until after the completion of the Club World Cup, which finishes on July 13. But it seems the Reds have high hopes for Jesus, in particular, amid talk of a £17 million fee.
Brazilian publication Trivela report they have had access to Forest’s evaluation of the forward. His “good physical ability” is said to have given him the edge over other potential Brazilian targets the Reds looked at, such as Matheus Nascimento and Marcos Leonardo.
Jesus’ tactical intelligence is also said to have caught Forest’s eye and gave the impression he could fit in with head coach Nuno’s style of play. The club also reportedly highlighted the 24-year-old’s “excellent attitude and work ethic” and anticipate there is “potential” for him to improve further.
Arsenal and Fulham have also been credited with an interest in Jesus. Trivela state the preference of Botafogo owner John Textor was to do business with the Reds because they agreed to pay “a large part” of the transfer fee up front.
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Santos speaks
As Forest look set to turn to the Brazilian market once again, a former Red has been reflecting on his time at the club. Should all go to plan in moves for Jesus, Jair and Cuiabano, the trio will hope they fare better in the Garibaldi than one of their fellow countrymen.
Brazilian youngster Andrey Santos made one start and one substitute appearance for Forest during a loan spell from Chelsea in the first half of the 2023/24 season. Steve Cooper was in charge at the time and the 21-year-old has bemoaned his lack of opportunities under the Welshman.
“It was a very difficult moment in my career – the beginning at Chelsea, with loans and no games at Forest, especially because I was very young,” Santos told the Daily Mail (via Nottingham Forest News). “I was always ready to train, always fit to play, but unfortunately, I didn’t get an opportunity there with the coach at Forest.”
The midfielder spent the campaign just gone on loan at Strasbourg and caught the eye with some impressive performances. He notched up 10 goals in 32 Ligue 1 appearances for the French side.
Earlier this year, reports suggested the Reds were keen on re-signing Santos. However, it was claimed a return to the club held no interest for him.
International trip
Forest are yet to announce pre-season plans for Nuno’s men, although it is expected they will involve travelling to somewhere in Europe. The Under-18s, however, are set to head further afield.
It has been confirmed Tom Mallinson’s youth team will take part in the Kamloops Cup in Canada. They will be based in British Columbia for 10 days and will play three games at the Hillside Stadium.
Canadian sides Cavalry and Kamloops United will be the opposition in two of the matches, with a third opponent to be announced in due course. The fixtures will be open to supporters and will take place between July 28 and August 3.
“Going to Canada is going to be a great experience for the Under-18s and we are delighted to be partnering with Rebirth Soccer who have helped make this happen,” said head of academy Chris McGuane. “More than just a football experience, which itself will provide a great learning and preparation opportunity for the squad ahead of the new season, the boys will gain so much from the trip.
“Going on overseas tours provide lifelong memories for young players, helping to create and reinforce bonds within the team. The experience of playing against teams from different parts of the world supports development and is an important part of our program. As football continues to grow in Canada ahead of the (2026) World Cup, we’re excited to have the opportunity to head out there and represent the Club on an international stage.”
On England duty
Morgan Gibbs-White has now linked up with the England squad for this month’s international camp. But before the serious action, the Three Lions had the opportunity to take in the Spanish Grand Prix.
Reds ace Gibbs-White was pictured with some of his international teammates at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya on Sunday. Manager Thomas Tuchel oversaw a group day out before attention will turn to a couple of big games on the horizon.
Gibbs-White was a late call-up to Tuchel’s first camp but was in from the start this time around. England are currently in Spain for a week-long warm weather training camp ahead of Saturday’s World Cup qualifier in Andorra.
After that fixture, the players will head to St George’s Park to prepare for their friendly with Senegal. That match will be a special occasion for Gibbs-White as it is taking place at Forest’s City Ground on Tuesday, June 10.
What has impressed me recently
The Reds seemingly being keen to get a chunk of transfer business done early as they close in on Botafogo trio Jesus, Jair and Cuiabano. Such an approach last year proved beneficial as a number of new signings were in place for pre-season, and Forest will hope for the same again this time around.
Moment missed from the weekend
Jesse Lingard discussing his summer 2022 move to Forest. The former Manchester United man said he "basically didn't have a choice” over his future at the time. Some Reds fans took to social media to point out his words were considerably different to the positive noises he made back when he put pen to paper for the club.
Player with a point to prove
Amid speculation about his future at the City Ground, Ramon Sosa will surely be keen to do well for Paraguay in their upcoming fixtures. First up is a meeting with Uruguay on Friday (12am BST kick-off).
Next up
International fixtures are on the horizon. There will be plenty of interest in England’s match against Andorra on Saturday (5pm kick-off) to see if Tuchel finally gives Gibbs-White some game time.
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