Nottingham Forest 2025/26 Season Preview: Ambition, Adversity & Opportunity in Garibaldi Red
As the fixture list for the 2025/26 Premier League season is revealed, Nottingham Forest find themselves at the dawn of a pivotal campaign — one full of promise, but not without its complications. After a season of survival and sporadic momentum under the leadership of Nuno Espírito Santo, the next step in Forest’s long-term project is about more than just staying up. It’s about consolidation, evolution, and quiet ambition.
Forest now face a campaign shaped by two major narratives: the arrival of highly rated Brazilian forward Igor Jesus — potentially a transformational figure in the attack — and the looming challenge of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), which threatens to strip the club of several key players during the most intense period of the season.
With a promising start in the fixture list, fresh talent incoming, and lessons learned from the past, the 2025/26 season could define the club’s medium-term trajectory. Will Forest establish themselves as a solid Premier League outfit? Or will old vulnerabilities re-emerge when depth is tested?
Let’s take a deep dive into what lies ahead.
A Kind Start: A Launchpad for Momentum
The fixture computer handed Forest a solid platform to begin the season. The campaign opens with a home tie against Brentford, a team whose style is well-understood and who pose a test without being one of the division’s elite. In fact, two of Forest’s first three games are at the City Ground, offering early opportunities to bank points and confidence in front of their home fans.
This is a crucial phase, as a strong start could change the dynamic inside and outside the dressing room. Confidence, especially for teams outside the traditional ‘Big Six’, often comes in waves. Forest’s recent history proves how difficult it can be to recover from poor early form, so early home comforts will be key.
Expect Nuno to push for a fast, intense start, particularly if his squad is largely assembled before the opening weekend. An aggressive first few matches could help define the tone for what Forest hope will be a more consistent season.
Igor Jesus: A Statement of Intent and a Catalyst for Change
While other clubs scramble late in the window, Forest have acted decisively in securing the services of Igor Jesus, who will officially join after the Club World Cup concludes. The Brazilian striker brings with him not only technical brilliance and athleticism but also something Forest have badly needed: a new attacking identity.
Still just 24, Jesus has been tracked by several clubs in Europe, and Forest’s ability to lure him speaks volumes about their recruitment strategy and ambition. Known for his intelligent movement, composure in the final third, and flair, he offers a new dimension to Forest’s forward line.
Last season, Forest struggled for goals in key moments. Taiwo Awoniyi, when fit, provided physicality and finishing, but injuries and inconsistency reduced his impact. With Jesus arriving, Forest finally have the chance to rotate, or even replace, their reliance on Awoniyi, especially amid rumours the Nigerian forward could be sold if the right offer comes in.
For Nuno Espírito Santo, Jesus will likely become a focal point of a more progressive attacking setup — a shift that could help unlock more from Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and others.
The AFCON Factor: A Crucial Mid-Season Challenge
As promising as the first half of the season looks on paper, Forest are one of several Premier League clubs that will be disproportionately affected by the 2025 African Cup of Nations, which takes place from December 21 to January 18 in Morocco. The timing — right through Christmas and into the early New Year — is as disruptive as it gets.
Key Forest Players Likely to Depart for AFCON:
- Ibrahim Sangaré (Ivory Coast) – The linchpin in Forest’s midfield, Sangaré came into his own in the latter stages of the 2024/25 campaign. His blend of athleticism, positional awareness, and ball-carrying makes him almost irreplaceable.
- Ola Aina (Nigeria) – A fan favourite and consistent performer. Aina was excellent at the last AFCON, and his versatility (left-back, right-back, or wing-back) makes his absence even more impactful.
- Taiwo Awoniyi (Nigeria) – If retained, he would lead Nigeria’s line and miss up to five games for Forest — possibly more, depending on how far Nigeria go.
- Willy Boly (Ivory Coast) – Although not a guaranteed starter, Boly’s experience and defensive strength make him a valuable squad player, particularly when fixtures pile up.
The impact? Five Premier League matches — and potentially FA Cup fixtures — could be played without these key players. For a squad not yet known for its depth, that’s a severe test of resilience, adaptability, and recruitment planning.
This is a stretch that often defines the narrative arc of a team’s season. Lose heavily over Christmas and January, and recovery becomes an uphill battle. Survive or thrive in that period, and confidence can propel a team up the table.
Squad Depth: The Defining Factor
To survive the AFCON period — and thrive in general — Forest must build a squad capable of rotating without collapsing. This means smart signings this summer, especially in central midfield, full-back, and up front.
Areas Needing Reinforcement:
Central midfield – A backup or partner for Sangaré is a must. Someone who can protect the back line and dictate play.
Full-back/wing-back – Aina’s versatility is hard to replicate, so cover on both flanks is essential.
Forward line – If Awoniyi departs and Jesus isn’t firing yet, Forest need another goalscoring option. A loan, perhaps, or a low-cost, high-upside signing.
Forest must also decide the fate of several squad players:
Willy Boly’s new contract must be considered not just for on-pitch value but for leadership and cover.
Joe Worrall, Scott McKenna, and other fringe defenders may be evaluated as either saleable assets or potential backups.
Young players like Brandon Aguilera, Alex Mighten, and Andrew Omobamidele could see increased involvement if minutes become available.
Tactics, Identity & the Nuno Factor
Nuno Espírito Santo had a full season to impose his tactical vision — one rooted in structured defense, disciplined shape, and transition-based attacking. This year, with more control over recruitment and preparation, we may see his system evolve.
Forest are expected to retain a back three or hybrid system, with wing-backs encouraged to push forward while the midfield remains compact. The hope is that with players like Igor Jesus, the team can shift from reactive to proactive — pressing higher, controlling possession more effectively, and scoring more frequently.
The balance between pragmatism and progression will define how fans perceive the project. The club clearly trusts Nuno with this stage of development, but he will know that fans — and ownership — will expect visible growth.
What Success Looks Like in 2025/26
Success for Forest isn’t just about league position — though finishing in the top 12 would represent solid progress. It’s about:
Consistency in performance against both big and small teams
Reducing reliance on a few individuals (e.g., Gibbs-White, Awoniyi)
Establishing an attacking style capable of scoring 40+ league goals
Cup competitiveness — a serious FA Cup run would excite fans and grow the club’s profile
Youth integration and smart squad building
The Verdict: Pressure and Potential in Equal Measure
The 2025/26 campaign offers a chance for Nottingham Forest to move from Premier League survivors to a truly stable and ambitious top-flight side. With a favourable start, a high-upside signing in Igor Jesus, and a year of tactical cohesion under Nuno’s belt, the ingredients are there.
However, the AFCON-shaped hole in the middle of the season could derail all progress if not managed meticulously. Forest must plan for adversity, recruit intelligently, and develop internal solutions to short-term challenges. If they do, this season could be the one where Forest stop looking over their shoulder — and start looking up the table.
Let the journey begin.