📝 Nottingham Forest’s 2025 Summer Rebuild: A Defining Window
The summer transfer window of 2025 could turn out to be one of the most pivotal in recent Nottingham Forest history. Following a dramatic Premier League campaign and with possible European football on the cards, the club is now faced with the task of evolving — not just replacing key players, but upgrading the squad in a way that matches its growing ambition. Forest must strike a balance between retaining stability and injecting new energy, and their actions so far suggest a club with both vision and urgency.
🔄 A Summer of Change: Departures at the City Ground
Two key departures have already shaped the early part of Forest’s summer window.
⚫ Anthony Elanga – Set to Join Newcastle United
After just one season at the City Ground, Anthony Elanga is now reportedly on the verge of completing a move to Newcastle United. For Forest, this is a considerable loss. Elanga was one of the team’s most dangerous outlets, bringing blistering pace, direct running, and relentless pressing in wide areas. He finished the 2024/25 season with multiple goal contributions and often served as the link between the midfield and forward line, especially on the counterattack.
His departure creates an immediate need for reinforcements on the flanks and raises questions about Forest’s offensive strategy going forward. Can they find a like-for-like replacement? Or is this an opportunity to reshape the attack entirely?
🇵🇾 Ramon Sosa – Signing for Palmeiras
Ramon Sosa, though not always a starter, was considered a promising squad option with flair and technical ability. His move to Palmeiras in Brazil might not seem as high-profile as Elanga’s exit, but his departure further reduces Forest’s attacking depth. Sosa’s versatility in playing both wings meant he was a valuable rotation option — one that now needs to be replaced.
These losses, combined, leave Forest with a depleted forward line and underscore the urgency of their recruitment efforts.
✅ Igor Jesus: A Solid Start to the Summer
Forest have not been idle. The club has already secured the signing of Igor Jesus, a Brazilian striker with a strong physical presence and potential to grow into a Premier League-caliber forward. While he brings a different profile to Elanga or Sosa — more of a traditional No. 9 — he could be crucial in matches where Forest need a target man or a focal point in the box.
However, Igor Jesus alone will not be enough to transform the team. More quality is required, particularly in midfield and attacking midfield areas.
🧠 James McAtee: The Crown Jewel of the Summer?
Enter James McAtee, the 21-year-old Manchester City prodigy who is now reportedly available for a cut-price fee of £20 million. According to top-tier journalist Fabrizio Romano, McAtee is seeking regular first-team football and Pep Guardiola is prepared to let him leave.
This is where Forest must act quickly and decisively.
📖 Player Profile: James McAtee
Age: 21
Position: Attacking Midfielder (No. 10)
Club: Manchester City
International: England U21
Career Stats: 34 appearances, 7 goals (mostly in cups or off the bench)
Notable Achievements: Part of the England U21 team that retained the European Championship, alongside Forest’s own Elliot Anderson
McAtee has long been seen as one of the most technically gifted players to come out of City’s academy, known for his close control, vision, and creative intelligence. While he’s yet to break into City’s star-studded first team consistently, it’s clear that he has the talent to thrive in a top-level environment.
💰 Why £20 Million is a Bargain
In today’s transfer market, where even average Premier League players can cost upwards of £30 million, McAtee’s reported £20 million valuation represents a golden opportunity. Not only does this price reflect great value for a homegrown English player, but it also offers Forest the chance to invest in a long-term asset who could double or triple in value within a few years.
📈 How McAtee Fits Into Forest’s System
🔄 Tactical Fit
McAtee thrives as a No. 10, operating in the pockets between midfield and attack. Forest currently rely heavily on Morgan Gibbs-White in that role. Should McAtee join, the club could:
Rotate both players across the season to avoid burnout
Deploy McAtee wide or deeper, given his versatility
Use him in cup and European fixtures as a creative spark
🔍 Succession Plan for Gibbs-White
It’s realistic to believe that Morgan Gibbs-White may not be at Forest forever. His performances have put him on the radar of top Premier League sides, and if a big-money offer arrives, Forest could sell — as all mid-table sides must sometimes do. In McAtee, Forest have a natural successor who could step in without forcing a complete tactical overhaul.
🧠 Squad Depth & European Ambitions
If Forest qualify for the Europa Conference League or even the Europa League, they’ll need a larger and more technically gifted squad. Squad rotation becomes essential, and so does having players with the composure to handle European football.
McAtee is used to high-intensity training, big-game environments, and elite-level coaching — attributes that could help raise the bar within the dressing room.
🧮 Forest’s Midfield & Attack with McAtee
Let’s imagine a few tactical systems that McAtee could be part of:
🔁 4-2-3-1 Formation
Igor Jesus
Elanga Replacement Gibbs-White McAtee
Sangaré Danilo
Aina Murillo Niakhaté Williams
Turner
McAtee and Gibbs-White can interchange during matches
Forest get dual playmakers, which is difficult for opponents to mark
Allows for creativity without sacrificing midfield structure
🔁 3-4-2-1 with Double No. 10s
Igor Jesus
McAtee Gibbs-White
Toffolo Yates Sangaré Williams
Murillo Boly Niakhaté
Turner
Adds flexibility for European games
Forest can dominate possession more effectively with two creators
McAtee’s ability to press fits into this system as well
💬 Final Thoughts: This Deal Could Define Forest’s Summer
James McAtee is the kind of signing that signals intent. He is young, proven at youth international level, technically gifted, and available for a very modest price in Premier League terms.
If Nottingham Forest are serious about:
Progressing beyond mid-table finishes
Becoming a consistent fixture in Europe
Building a younger, more technically refined core
…then McAtee is the perfect signing. But they must act quickly and decisively, because once the market warms up and other clubs realise he’s available, the window of opportunity may close.
🚨 What Happens Next?
Forest are known to keep deals under wraps until they’re well-advanced. But if interest in McAtee has reached the stage of public valuation, it’s likely that talks are underway or imminent.
Whether they land him or not, this is the type of transfer Forest must begin to make more regularly — not just to survive, but to thrive in the Premier League.