Nottingham Forest 2024/25: A New Era Begins
It may feel as though the 2023/24 Premier League season has only just wrapped up, but in reality, the wheels are already turning at Nottingham Forest. As other clubs begin to dust themselves off and enjoy a brief off-season, Forest are charging into the summer full of purpose. With Evangelos Marinakis at the helm, a manager with European pedigree in Nuno Espírito Santo, and a vision that goes beyond mere survival, the East Midlands club is embracing a new identity — one of ambition, structure, and serious upward trajectory.
🏟️ A Fresh Start: Opening Day Fixture Confirmed
Nottingham Forest’s 2024/25 Premier League schedule was officially revealed this week, and the City Ground will play host to Brentford on the opening weekend. It’s a fixture that, on paper, feels manageable — Brentford, while dangerous, were largely inconsistent in the 2023/24 campaign, and Thomas Frank’s side may still be adjusting if key players are sold this summer. For Forest, starting the season with three points at home would be the ideal springboard — both for confidence and for setting the tone under Nuno’s growing influence.
In a season where mid-table could be tightly packed, a fast start will be vital.
⚽ Pre-Season Takes Shape: Friendlies Revealed and Leaked
✅ Confirmed: Birmingham City (2 August)
One of Forest’s pre-season fixtures has already been confirmed — a sentimental and respectful clash with Birmingham City on August 2nd at St Andrew’s, in tribute to the late Trevor Francis, who represented both clubs with distinction. The match, which kicks off at 3pm, will serve as more than a warm-up — it will be a celebration of a football icon who broke boundaries and inspired generations.
❗Leaked: Fulham (Likely July 26)
In an intriguing twist, Norwegian broadcaster TGTV appears to have leaked a pre-season friendly between Nottingham Forest and Fulham, set to take place on Saturday, July 26th. While Forest have yet to officially confirm the match, the leak has created buzz among supporters eager for meaningful pre-season competition. Should this fixture go ahead, it will be a great litmus test against a stylistically different Premier League opponent.
Even more exciting, it could serve as the first appearance for new signings Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha, the highly-rated Brazilian duo set to arrive from Botafogo. It may also be a key chance for fringe players and youngsters to stake a claim.
🔁 Transfer Market: Ambition Backed by Investment
Evangelos Marinakis has made his intentions clear. Nottingham Forest aren’t content with just surviving in the Premier League — the goal now is to build a squad capable of challenging for European qualification. With that in mind, Forest are targeting players who represent a higher calibre and long-term upside.
🧨 Potential Blockbuster Deals
Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa)
A central midfield powerhouse, Luiz is coming off a brilliant campaign with Villa. While securing him would require serious negotiations and likely a significant transfer fee, the fact that Forest are in the race signals a shift in ambition. Luiz would elevate Forest’s midfield immediately and bring a blend of physicality, intelligence, and technical quality.
Yoane Wissa (Brentford)
A versatile and pacey forward, Wissa could inject more directness into Forest’s attack. His movement and finishing would complement the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White and offer Nuno another option up front, especially with injuries often limiting Taiwo Awoniyi.
🇧🇷 Incoming Duo from Botafogo: Igor Jesus & Jair Cunha
Perhaps the most concrete developments involve Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha, two of Botafogo’s most exciting young talents. According to trusted reporter John Percy of The Telegraph, the deals are close to completion, pending medicals after the Club World Cup. These signings would reflect not only the growing synergy between Forest and their sister club but also a broader strategy of signing high-upside talent before their market value explodes.
Igor Jesus: A robust, physical striker with a keen eye for goal, he could thrive in the Premier League with the right adaptation period. He brings a different profile to Forest’s frontline — a blend of power and finesse.
Jair Cunha: A technically gifted holding midfielder with defensive awareness well beyond his years. He’s seen as someone who could develop into a Premier League anchor — think along the lines of a young Casemiro-type role.
These signings, while not as headline-grabbing as Douglas Luiz, might prove just as crucial in the long run.
✍️ Contract Renewals: Retaining the Core
Forest’s transfer activity isn’t just focused on incoming talent — retention is just as important. Several players who played crucial roles last season are on the verge of extending their contracts.
✅ Nearing Completion:
Ola Aina – A versatile full-back who impressed with his athleticism and composure. His ability to play on either flank gives Nuno tactical flexibility.
Neco Williams – The Welsh international found form late in the season and is considered part of Forest’s long-term plans. His delivery and attacking instincts make him an asset in a back five or as a wing-back.
🧠 The Big One: Morgan Gibbs-White
If there’s one player Forest simply cannot afford to lose, it’s Morgan Gibbs-White. The former Wolves man has become the club’s creative spark, fan favourite, and arguably the first name on the teamsheet. Talks are reportedly underway for a contract extension, and should Forest succeed, it would be as significant as any new signing.
Keeping him at the heart of the project would reinforce the message that Forest are building, not selling — a mindset shift for a club often seen as a stepping stone.
🧠 Nuno Espírito Santo: Tactical Identity Taking Shape
Under Nuno, Forest began to show more structure, discipline, and adaptability, particularly in high-pressure situations. His 3-4-3 system brought defensive balance and allowed the likes of Gibbs-White to operate with more freedom. Heading into the new season, the addition of players like Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha could allow Forest to:
Play with a more aggressive press
Dominate possession in midfield
Offer greater attacking width through overlapping wing-backs
Nuno’s pedigree in Europe and his reputation for overachieving with tight-knit squads (as he did at Wolves) makes him an ideal figurehead for Forest’s new phase.
🌍 Club Culture & Vision: Marinakis Setting the Tone
Since Evangelos Marinakis took over, the club has evolved into a more modern, globally connected operation. Through links with Botafogo (Brazil) and Olympiacos (Greece), Forest now benefit from a multi-club model that facilitates talent development, scouting, and shared expertise.
Crucially, Marinakis is now combining financial backing with strategic patience — something Forest fans haven’t always enjoyed in previous eras. The result? A club that’s now planning seasons in advance, rather than living week to week.
🔮 Looking Ahead: What to Expect This Summer
Next Steps:
🛫 More pre-season friendlies to be announced
📝 Official confirmation of the Fulham friendly
🧪 Medical completion for Jair Cunha and Igor Jesus
🔄 Further transfer activity (outs and ins)
🧩 Squad trim to meet FFP compliance
🎓 Possible promotion of academy players to senior squad
Dream Scenario:
By mid-August, Forest could field a team with:
A dynamic midfield featuring Douglas Luiz and Jair Cunha
A front line with Gibbs-White, Awoniyi, and possibly Wissa
A solid defensive unit with Boly, Niakhaté, Aina, and Williams
A squad with depth, youth, and international quality
🏁 Final Thoughts
For the first time in a long while, there’s a genuine sense that Nottingham Forest are more than just a team trying to stay in the Premier League — they’re a club with direction, clarity, and ambition.
The foundation is being laid brick by brick. From clever recruitment and contract renewals to cultural stability and tactical growth under Nuno, Forest look poised to move from a survival story to one of resurgence.
The City Ground faithful can be cautiously optimistic — this could be the season where Forest finally take that long-awaited step from historic giant to modern-day contender.