Nottingham Forest’s Summer of Ambition: Nuno Eyes Europe as Hackney Watch Continues
Nottingham Forest are on a mission to rise above the pack in the Premier League.
After securing their top-flight status for a second consecutive season — navigating the highs and lows of a demanding campaign — Forest are now turning their attention to a more ambitious future. Backed by an ownership group led by Evangelos Marinakis, the club is not content with simply surviving in the Premier League. Instead, they’re setting their sights on establishing themselves as regular contenders for European football — and the moves being made in this summer’s transfer window reflect that growing ambition.
At the heart of this push is manager Nuno Espírito Santo, who took over midway through the 2023–24 season and impressed with his tactical clarity, man-management, and ability to stabilise a volatile situation. Now, with a full pre-season ahead of him and the backing of the board, Nuno has been handed a healthy transfer budget — one that he is expected to use wisely, not just to strengthen the squad, but to build a long-term project at the City Ground.
Igor Jesus Arrival Kicks Off the Summer
Forest’s first significant move came with the signing of Igor Jesus, a talented 23-year-old forward who arrives from Saudi side Al-Shabab. The Brazilian striker, known for his intelligent movement, sharp finishing, and versatility across the front line, represents a statement of intent. While he may not yet be a household name in England, Igor Jesus brings a promising profile, and Forest clearly believe he can adapt to the Premier League’s physical and tactical demands.
This signing addresses one of the areas Forest have long needed reinforcement: reliable firepower up front. With Taiwo Awoniyi battling injuries last season and Chris Wood showing signs of decline, it was essential that Forest invested in a younger attacking option with the ability to grow and improve within Nuno’s system.
But Igor Jesus is unlikely to be the last arrival.
Attention Turns to Midfield: Hayden Hackney Emerges as a Serious Consideration
With the attack being bolstered, Forest’s recruitment team is now exploring further reinforcements across the pitch — and one name that has emerged as a serious consideration is Hayden Hackney, the 23-year-old Middlesbrough midfielder and England U21 international.
Hackney has become one of the standout players in the Championship over the past 18 months. Calm on the ball, with excellent vision and an impressive passing range, Hackney is the kind of player that fits the mold of a modern central midfielder: composed, tactically aware, and technically proficient. His performances for Boro have not gone unnoticed, and his inclusion in England’s U21 European Championship-winning squad has further elevated his reputation.
While Hackney was mostly used as a substitute in that tournament, appearing in four of the six matches, his presence in such a talented squad at all is a testament to his growing stature. It’s worth noting that one of the players who kept him out of the starting XI was none other than Elliot Anderson, now a key figure in Nottingham Forest’s midfield plans. That connection is more than just trivia — it may directly impact Forest’s pursuit of Hackney.
According to a report from Nottingham Forest News, which includes exclusive insight from respected journalist Graeme Bailey, Forest remain interested observers in the race to sign Hackney, but they’re not yet leading the charge.
“Forest have always had an interest in Hackney,” Bailey said. “I wouldn’t put them towards the top of the list by any means. They’re very happy with what they’ve got in midfield, with Elliot Anderson especially.”
Bailey’s comments suggest that while Hackney is admired at the City Ground, the current midfield setup may make it difficult for Forest to offer the one thing Hackney needs most at this stage of his career: guaranteed minutes.
“I think the expectation at the moment is that he might move abroad because he has to choose his next club very carefully,” Bailey added. “If Hackney goes to Forest, is he starting? They’re keeping an eye on the situation. He’s in the ‘one to watch’ category.”
Forest’s Midfield Landscape: A Crowded Room
Forest currently boast a solid core of midfielders. With Elliot Anderson making a strong impression since arriving from Newcastle United, and key contributors like Orel Mangala, Danilo, and Ryan Yates still very much part of Nuno’s plans, any new signing in that department would have to either significantly raise the quality ceiling or be willing to rotate.
Add to that potential returns or decisions about loanees such as Remo Freuler, and the picture becomes even more complicated. For Hackney, who is at a stage in his development where playing time is essential, the appeal of Forest may hinge entirely on what kind of role he is promised — and whether other suitors can offer something more immediate.
Clubs such as Manchester United and Crystal Palace have also been linked with the Boro star, and reports suggest there may even be foreign interest, particularly from Serie A and La Liga clubs that value young English talent and may be able to offer European football and regular starting opportunities.
Pablo Maffeo and the Right-Back Situation
While midfield is being monitored, Forest are also moving aggressively to strengthen other positions — and one of the clearest targets is the right-back slot.
Pablo Maffeo, currently playing in Spain for Mallorca, has emerged as a leading candidate to fill that need. Maffeo is a high-energy, attack-minded full-back with a strong defensive work rate and significant La Liga experience. Some reports have gone as far as suggesting that terms may already be agreed, but at this point, most reliable sources caution that the deal is not yet complete.
That said, Forest’s interest in Maffeo is consistent with Nuno’s tactical preferences. During his time at Wolves, he relied heavily on full-backs and wing-backs who could contribute at both ends of the pitch. With current options like Serge Aurier and Neco Williams either struggling with form or fitness, a reinforcement here seems not only logical but essential.
The Broader Vision: Marinakis, Nuno, and Long-Term Goals
One thing is becoming increasingly clear: Nottingham Forest are no longer content with treading water.
Evangelos Marinakis has poured significant resources into the club since promotion, but there is now a visible shift from survival spending to strategic investment. This summer represents a chance for Forest to recalibrate, focus on younger, high-upside talents, and give Nuno the tools to implement a longer-term footballing identity.
The Portuguese manager’s reputation for building compact, well-drilled teams fits well with Forest’s ambition to evolve into a side that can compete with the Premier League’s top ten. But ambition must be matched with patience. The coming weeks will be crucial — not just in terms of who arrives, but who departs.
Forest will need to navigate outgoings carefully, balancing Financial Fair Play with squad management. Players who aren’t central to Nuno’s vision — or who command high wages without consistent performance — may be moved on. That, in turn, could open the door for additional signings in midfield, defense, or attack.
Final Thoughts: Hackney Watch Continues, But Forest’s Vision is Bigger Than One Player
While Hayden Hackney remains very much a player “to keep an eye on,” the broader takeaway from this summer is Forest’s measured ambition. They are not rushing into deals. They are scouting wisely, focusing on long-term potential, and ensuring that each signing fits both tactically and culturally.
For Hackney, the coming weeks will likely be decisive. If Forest can offer him a clear path to first-team football — and perhaps move on one or two midfielders to make room — the door could open. But if not, the midfielder may choose a different project, potentially abroad, where the route to regular playing time is clearer.
Regardless, Forest’s fans should be encouraged. For the first time in years, the club seems to be moving not just with energy, but with purpose.
A big summer lies ahead at the City Ground. And this time, the aim isn’t just survival — it’s progress.