Ensuring Nuno Espirito Santo has the right resources for next season’s European adventure is the aim for Nottingham Forest this summer.
The Reds are set to test themselves on the continent for the first time in three decades when they compete in the 2025/26 Conference League. With that in mind, changes will be made to head coach Nuno’s squad over the coming weeks in preparation for the new challenge.
There is no doubt it is an important summer window at the City Ground. Below, NottinghamshireLive takes a look at some of the latest Forest transfer talk.
Bardghji encouragement
Last month, the Reds were among a number of sides credited with an interest in teenage Copenhagen forward Roony Bardghji. And it appears the 19-year-old’s many admirers have received some encouraging news in the potential pursuit of his signature.
Danish publication Bold have reported Copenhagen have “not succeeded” in getting Bardghji tied to a new deal, with his current one due to expire at the end of this year. It means from July 1, the youngster is free to negotiate with other clubs with a view to heading elsewhere on January 1, 2026.
There is also the possibility the Sweden Under-21 international could be on the move this summer, if there is an agreement between Copenhagen and any one of his suitors. A number of European sides are said to be keen on him.
In addition to Forest, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Lazio and Lille have all been linked with the teenager. However, reports have suggested Tottenham Hotspur are the frontrunners to snap him up amid rumours of a £10 million price tag.
Striker competition
Interest in Forest-linked forward Valentin “Taty” Castellanos appears to be growing amid uncertainty about his future at Lazio. New manager Maurizio Sarri is reportedly set to have the final say on what happens next for the 26-year-old.
The Reds, along with Premier League rivals West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers, were recently said to be keeping tabs on him. However, fresh competition for Castellanos’ signature has now emerged.
According to Italian media outlet LaLazioSiamoNoi, Everton are now in the mix for the front man. Villarreal and Real Betis are also said to be monitoring his situation.
Although Castellanos has a clean slate with Sarri, it is claimed the manager must weigh up whether he can help the player to “evolve”. Either way, the Argentine is one player Lazio “would be less reluctant” to part company with. Previous reports suggested €30-35m (£25-30m) could be enough to tempt the Italian outfit to sell.
On the move
Speaking of Lazio, they have completed the signing of former Reds loanee Nuno Tavares on a permanent basis. The defender has made the switch from Arsenal for a reported £6m fee, three years after making his last appearance for the Gunners.
Tavares made 12 appearances in the Garibaldi during his 2023/24 spell at the City Ground. He was hindered by injuries and was also up against Ola Aina in the battle for the left-back spot.
The Portuguese’s deal with Forest did include future options but they were not taken up. He returned to the Emirates Stadium and then went on loan to Lazio, where he has now penned a three-year deal.
Not so long ago there was speculation the Reds were interested in re-signing him. Brighton and Hove Albion, Chelsea and Newcastle United were also linked.
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Decisive snub
Reds-linked midfielder Davide Frattesi was reportedly far from happy at being an unused substitute for Inter Milan in last month’s Champions League final. The 25-year-old had to watch from the bench as his team were hammered 5-0 by Paris Saint-Germain.
Football Italia claim Frattesi confronted boss Simone Inzaghi about his snub. It had led to the player reportedly being keen on a summer exit, although it remains unclear whether that has changed following Inzaghi’s departure from the Italian side.
Forest were credited with an interest in Frattesi earlier this year, but Napoli are seemingly in pole position to sign him if he does move on. Inter’s asking price has reportedly been set at €40m (£33m).
Do the club need to sell?
Forest are not under pressure to raise funds, but there will still be outgoings this summer. Midfielder Danilo could be among the first amid talk of a £21m move to Lyon.
The Brazilian is a popular figure Trentside but such a fee would represent a good bit of business by the club. They bought Danilo in January 2023 from Palmeiras for a fee in the region of £16-18m.
What do you think the team needs?
If the Reds can get deals over the line for Botafogo’s Igor Jesus, Jair Cunha and Cuiabano, it would represent an excellent start to the window. The Brazilian trio would not be expected to make the move until after the conclusion of the Club World Cup, but having agreements in place early on in the summer would be hugely beneficial.
The more Forest can continue along a similar theme, getting the bulk of business done early, the more it would suit Nuno. He made the most of working with his squad in pre-season 12 months ago, and he will hope for the same again.
How many signings do Forest need this summer? Click HERE to have your say