The ambition being shown by Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is equal to that of any of the Premier League's more traditional, bigger sides.
That was on full display last season, as they shocked the rest of the division, and there is no doubt that the Tricky Trees will be keen to do it again and perhaps aim even higher.
But will that be possible after losing one or two key players and now, having to compete on four fronts, with the **UEFA Europa League**looming large? VAVEL is on hand to let you know.
So, without further ado, here is VAVEL's 2025/26 **Nottingham Forest**season preview.
2024/25 Season recap
Words by Matthew Shotter
Heading into the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, very few expected much from a Nottingham Forest side that had finished 17th the season prior.
However, the Tricky Trees shocked not only the rest of the division but perhaps even themselves, with a season that saw them challenging for a Champions League spot throughout and even making it to their first **FA Cup**semi-final in over 30 years.
And although they had to settle for seventh place (which is typically a **Europa Conference League**place, but due to UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules, Crystal Palace were relegated from the Europa League and replaced by Forest), it was still the club’s greatest season since the heady days of Brian Clough and co.
It started with **Nuno Espírito Santo**’s men going unbeaten in their opening five games, including a win away from home at would-be champions Liverpool. Their form remained consistent during the autumn months, with veteran striker Chris Wood going on the goalscoring run of his life, scoring eight goals in 10 Premier League games.
But it was in December when it became clear just how much of a real threat the East Midlands’ side were to the established giants of the league, winning six games in a row, including victories over Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
As the season progressed, Forest found it tough to maintain the incredible form they had shown in the first two-thirds, winning only two of their last eight games, and ultimately finishing a single point away from securing a Champions League place. Although if you had offered a Forest fan that, prior to a ball being kicked, they would have bitten your hand off.
A glorious FA Cup run was a lovely compliment to the team’s stellar league form. They beat the likes of Ipswich Town and Brighton on their way to a semi-final against Manchester City under the arches at Wembley, in a game which they lost 2-0, but certainly gave them a feeling of being back in the big time.
Transfer activity
Words by Matthew Shotter
The summer transfer window, up to now, has been something of a mixed bag for Nottingham Forest. First, let’s focus on who has left.
Without question, the most significant loss the Tricky Trees have suffered is the departure of Swedish winger Anthony Elanga. The 23-year-old had arrived at the City Ground a few years ago as a fringe player from the Manchester United bench.
During his two seasons with Forest, he has blossomed into a top-level winger, becoming a real source of creativity, as well as goals, amassing 31 goal contributions over two campaigns.
Elanga joins nouveau riche Newcastle United, who paid £52m for his services.
Brazilian **Danilo**has returned to his homeland, joining Botafogo. The 24-year-old spent a large portion of last season out with a broken ankle he suffered on the opening day.
Fellow South American Ramón Sosa has also left the club after just a single year at the City Ground. He joins Brazilian giants Palmeiras. The 25-year-old struggled to find game time during his time with the club.
Other players leaving are as follows: Andrew Omobamidele to Strasbourg, Matt Turner to Lyon, and Lewis O’Brien to Wrexham.
It has also been a busy summer regarding incomings, as Forest raided Botafogo, signing two players from Estrela Solitária.** Jair Cunha and Igor Jesus both join on long-term deals.
Cunha is a 20-year-old who, despite playing fewer than 50 club games in his career, is highly regarded and is likely to be a long-term project for the club. His compatriot, Jesus, is a signing for the here and now, as the striker comes in to provide competition to the indomitable Chris Wood.
Much of the goalscoring burden fell on the New Zealander’s shoulders last season, and Nuno will hope Jesus can help in that department.
The other marquee acquisition is that of Dan Ndoye. The Switzerland international joins Forest from Italian side Bologna, in a deal worth £34m. The 24-year-old will likely be a direct replacement for the departing Elanga.
And finally, while not a signing, Morgan Gibbs-White has signed a new three-year deal with the club. The 25-year-old appeared to be on the brink of a move to Tottenham (a move that Forest had threatened legal action over an alleged illegal approach), but instead has chosen to remain at the City Ground.
One to Watch - Igor Jesus
Words by Matthew Shotter
The singing of Brazilian striker **Igor****Jesus**was a wholly necessary one for Nottingham Forest.
Far too much of last season’s goalscoring onus fell upon the shoulders of Chris Wood, a fact that Nuno Espírito Santo was all too aware of. And with the big Kiwi striker ageing, it could be a huge campaign for the 24-year-old striker.
The former **Botafogo**player, while sharing some traits and qualities with Wood, such as his ability to hold the ball up and involve other players around him, is a far more versatile and mobile player, albeit untested at this level.
Despite his diminutive stature, he is an incredibly powerful player and a threat in the air, which are valuable skills to have in a division as physical as the Premier League.
In fact, he has such an ariel presence that he has been affectionately nicknamed Little Frog.
While Jesus’ skillset has been appreciated by many clubs for some time now, he really announced himself to the wider footballing world when he scored for his former club, Botafogo, against UEFA Champions League winners PSG, during the FIFA Club World Cup.
And with Forest competing in European competition for the first time since the 1995/96 season, there will be ample amount of opportunity for Jesus to usurp Wood’s position in Nuno’s starting XI and make it his own.
It could very well be the beginning of something special if Jesus takes the opportunities as and when they come his way.
Strongest XI
Words by Sam Bunce
Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Yates, Anderson, Gibbs-White; Hudson-Odoi, Jesus, Ndoye
Belgium international Matz Sels shared the Golden Glove with **Arsenal**’s David Raya last term and was one of Nuno’s most reliable assets. He stepped up to the plate in various penalty shootouts to aid Forest’s tense FA Cup run.
Young Brazilian centre-back Jair Cunha arrived from Botafogo this summer, but he is unlikely to disrupt the flourishing partnership of Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic, who have worked effortlessly in tandem, bringing different defensive facets. This made Forest’s last line so often impenetrable.
Both full-backs penned new contracts at the City Ground before the upcoming campaign and will surely play a major part in Forest’s defensive setup.
Neco Williams has been indispensable at full-back with his prowess at foraying forwards and nullifying some of the Premier League’s most intimidating wingers by virtue of tenacious defending, and the same can be said about Ola Aina.
Although Forest may seem light in the midfield department, Nuno has a wealth of competent personnel at his disposal. Ibrahim Sangaré and Nicolás Domínguez largely shone when called upon last season and will be suitable deputies to Forest’s superior midfield trio.
Homegrown Ryan Yates exuded passion throughout Forest’s season, wearing the captain’s armband, and typified an old-school, industrious defending style often absent from today’s Premier League, which was so crucial to the way Forest operated tactically.
**Elliot Anderson**’s multifaceted engine complements Yates, while Morgan Gibbs-White has tied down a new contract as owner Evangelos Marinakis adamantly fended off Tottenham Hotspur's bid to lure their star man away from Trentside.
He is sure to supply a newly-fledged front line, consisting of Callum Hudson-Odoi and new signing from Coppa Italia winners Bologna, Dan Ndoye, on the flanks.
Although Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi will be hot on the heels of Igor Jesus if his form fails to reach the required standard, the Brazilian youngster rose to the occasion at the Club World Cup, and the marksman seems poised to swiftly open his account in menacing form.
Stick or Twist: Nuno’s Tactical Dilemma
Words by Sam Bunce
The Tricky Trees averaged the third least possession in the Premier League last season, but made a compelling case for how their brand of football can outwit the possession-based football which has supposedly thrust into vogue.
Albeit soaking up pressure in a cohesive defensive unit underpinned their successes over various opponents, transitional play and direct attacks catalysed their prolonged status in the top half of the standings.
This was buoyed by now Newcastle United winger **Anthony Elanga**’s lightning speed with the ball and Chris Wood’s unrelenting clinical finishing.
Different players now make up the offensive contingent expected to contribute goals, yet finishing attacks quickly with impetus rather than delaying their advances is something to maintain.
Additionally, relationships in defence and midfield have matured, and many managers were simply unable to solve Forest’s defensive solidity.
As the new season approaches, what would still be worth considering though is what were the tactical aspects which hampered Forest and eventually caused them to slip to seventh place.
They were not only adept at scoring first but were also often consistently reliant on notching the opener, as they could protect their lead.
This paid dividends for Nuno regularly; however, familiarity with his system may demand adaptability and unpredictability.
Whether it be having the intent to add to their lead or keeping the ball for sustained periods, broadening their inclinations and proactively devising plans for certain scenarios could be the difference between Forest retaining their place among the Premier League's elite and drifting down the table.
Expectations
Words by Matthew Shotter
For the forthcoming season, it isn't easy to decipher what should be expected from the **City Ground**residents.
Coming off the back of a campaign where they shocked the rest of the division and ended up with European football for the first time since the 1995/96 season. Sides will be far more wary of Nuno’s men than they were this time last year, meaning the Tricky Trees may not reap the same rewards they previously did.
Domestically, Forest would love to repeat, or even better, what they did last time out, but that seems unlikely given the money being spent by the league’s more financially well-endowed clubs.
Perhaps the hope would be that the club can attempt to finish in the top half of the division and avoid the often-difficult sophomore season, in which high highs are followed by low lows.
Should they be able to avoid a tricky league season, then they would certainly like to get back to Wembley and try to win a trophy for the first time in 35 years.
A lot of the emphasis this season will be on the aforementioned European football, with fans hoping that the luxuries that come with being a Premier League side in continental competition will transfer to Forest, and they can mount a run on that front, and perhaps even challenge for silverware there, too.