🔴 Nottingham Forest’s Ambitious Summer Rebuild: Nuno Targets Versatility, Experience, and Depth with Maffeo, Ndoye, and Defensive Reinforcements in Sight
As the 2025/26 Premier League season edges closer, Nottingham Forest are one of several top-flight clubs undergoing significant squad surgery in anticipation of a challenging campaign ahead. Under the guidance of Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest are looking to overhaul their team, bring in players who fit the manager’s dynamic style, and crucially, ensure the club is not only competitive domestically but also capable of progressing in Europe.
The club’s recruitment drive has intensified in recent weeks. Following the sale of Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United and growing speculation around Morgan Gibbs-White, Forest find themselves needing reinforcements across multiple positions — particularly in attack and defense. With a tightly packed fixture schedule on the horizon and expectations rising, Forest’s hierarchy, led by sporting director Ross Wilson, are working against the clock to deliver the players Nuno has requested.
🔁 Elanga Departs, Gibbs-White Linked with Spurs – Attacking Reinforcements Needed
The transfer window opened with a notable outgoing: Anthony Elanga, who joined Newcastle United in a deal reported to be worth in the region of £30 million. The Swedish international enjoyed a productive season with Forest and his departure leaves a clear void in the wide attacking areas. His pace, energy, and willingness to take on defenders were a big asset last season, and replacing that dynamism is now a priority.
Compounding the issue is the uncertain future of Morgan Gibbs-White, Forest’s creative heartbeat and arguably their most valuable player. With reported interest from Tottenham Hotspur, who are said to admire his flair, vision, and ability to operate across several attacking roles, Forest could be bracing themselves for a significant offer. Whether they accept or resist depends largely on the timing — and whether replacements can be brought in quickly.
🎯 Dan Ndoye: The Key Attacking Target
Forest’s top attacking target appears to be Dan Ndoye, the talented Swiss winger currently playing for Bologna. Ndoye impressed many with his performances during Euro 2024, and Forest have been in active negotiations with the Serie A club over a potential deal.
Ndoye is the kind of player Nuno likes: direct, versatile, hardworking, and capable of playing on either flank or centrally if required. He can provide cover in a number of systems — from a classic 4-3-3 to a more fluid 3-4-2-1 — and his adaptability would be crucial given Forest’s sometimes unpredictable tactical setups. At 24 years old, he also fits the club’s broader recruitment model of targeting players entering their prime, with resale value and development potential.
While negotiations with Bologna are said to be progressing slowly, they remain live. Reports suggest that Forest are optimistic about striking a deal before the end of the window, with personal terms unlikely to be an issue.
🛡️ Defensive Overhaul Underway – Jair Cunha Leads the Way
While new attacking talent grabs the headlines, Forest are also intent on reinforcing their defensive unit. The arrival of Jair Cunha, a highly rated young defender, was met with praise by Ross Wilson, who views him as a long-term prospect. Cunha’s signing signals a desire to blend youth with experience, something Forest are now trying to balance as they look to add more defenders to their ranks.
One of the key names linked is Jackson Tchatchoua, currently with Hellas Verona. Tchatchoua is a quick, physical full-back who can operate on either side and could serve as both cover and competition in a demanding schedule. Forest have reportedly opened dialogue with Verona, and while no deal has been finalized, he remains firmly on the shortlist.
However, it is Pablo Maffeo — a player with Premier League ties and considerable La Liga experience — who is drawing the most attention right now.
✍️ Pablo Maffeo: Forest’s Next Defensive Signing?
Forest’s pursuit of Pablo Maffeo has gathered pace in recent days. The 28-year-old full-back, who currently plays for RCD Mallorca, has reportedly opted out of his club’s pre-season tour, with strong indications that he is keen to finalize a move to the City Ground. According to Spanish outlet AS, Maffeo has already informed Mallorca of his desire to leave, and the club is open to doing business.
💸 A Reasonable Fee
Maffeo’s valuation — believed to be around £7 million — represents a fairly modest outlay for a player with his pedigree. From Forest’s perspective, it’s a deal that makes sense financially and tactically. The club is unlikely to face major competition for his signature, and if terms can be agreed quickly, the player could be integrated into the squad well before the Premier League season begins.
The fact that Maffeo has previously played in England, albeit briefly with Manchester City, gives him a slight edge. While he only made three senior appearances for City, he has since matured into a reliable and aggressive full-back in La Liga, known for his stamina, pressing, and tactical discipline.
🔍 Why Maffeo Fits Forest’s Style
Under Nuno, Forest favor a flexible tactical approach that often shifts between back threes and back fours. Maffeo has played in both systems during his time in Spain and Germany, and that versatility is exactly what the manager wants from his full-backs.
Currently, Forest have Ola Aina as the first-choice right-back or wing-back. Aina had a solid 2024/25 campaign and offers plenty going forward, but with European competition likely adding strain to the schedule, Maffeo would provide valuable rotation and push Aina to maintain his form.
What sets Maffeo apart is his defensive intelligence. He’s not just a marauding full-back; he tracks runners well, reads the game effectively, and rarely gets caught out of position. He would bring leadership, maturity, and consistency — three qualities Forest lacked at times last season.
🧩 Building a Competitive Squad – Not Just Survival
Forest’s activity in the market suggests that they are aiming for more than just Premier League survival. Nuno Espirito Santo has a proven track record of building teams capable of punching above their weight — as seen during his time at Wolves — and the backing he’s receiving from the board indicates full trust in his vision.
With European football a real possibility through cup success or a top-half finish, depth becomes critical. Players like Maffeo, Ndoye, and potentially Tchatchoua aren’t just filling gaps — they’re coming in to raise standards, challenge incumbents, and provide Forest with the flexibility to rotate and adapt across multiple competitions.
There’s also a growing sense of cultural shift at the club. Forest are no longer just reacting to situations in the market; they are proactively identifying targets, moving early in negotiations, and seeking value-for-money deals that make sense strategically. Ross Wilson, who took on the sporting director role last year, appears to be implementing a more analytical and long-term approach to squad building.
⚽ What’s Next?
Over the next few weeks, Forest’s transfer activity is expected to intensify. A deal for Pablo Maffeo is edging closer, and fans will be eager to see if Forest can strike an agreement in time to integrate him during the final stretch of pre-season. Likewise, closing the deal for Dan Ndoye remains a top priority. If Gibbs-White ends up leaving, expect Forest to act swiftly to replace his creativity, possibly with multiple signings.
Other areas of interest include midfield depth and possibly another striker, depending on how Forest’s current forwards perform in pre-season friendlies.
✅ Final Thoughts
Nottingham Forest appear to be a club on the rise — not just in ambition, but in execution. The combination of Nuno Espirito Santo’s tactical knowledge and Ross Wilson’s strategic planning has created a transfer policy that looks sharp, calculated, and forward-thinking.
If they can get deals for players like Pablo Maffeo and Dan Ndoye over the line — and retain key stars like Gibbs-White — Forest fans may have reason to dream a little bigger this season. After years of fighting for survival, the club finally looks poised to push on and establish themselves as a consistent top-half side with European ambitions.
Now, it’s all about completing the puzzle.