🔴 Nottingham Forest: Squad Overhaul Intensifies Amidst Transfer Activity and European Ambitions
As the 2025/26 Premier League season edges closer, Nottingham Forest find themselves at a decisive crossroads in their development under Nuno Espírito Santo. After a turbulent 2024/25 campaign that saw the club narrowly retain top-flight status, Forest now face the dual challenge of improving their domestic form while competing in Europe via the UEFA Conference League.
However, with several departures already confirmed and limited reinforcements arriving thus far, the pressure is building at the City Ground. The sense of urgency surrounding the club is increasing by the day, with recruitment needing to be both swift and smart to avoid entering the new season undercooked.
🔁 Departures Leave Squad Exposed
Forest’s transfer window has been defined more by exits than arrivals. The most significant of these has been the departure of Anthony Elanga, who joined Newcastle United earlier this month. The Swedish international had become a key attacking outlet, using his pace and directness to stretch defences. His exit has left a gaping hole in the wide areas — one that Forest have yet to fill.
In addition to Elanga, the club has also parted ways with midfielder Danilo and winger Ramon Sosa, both of whom were considered important squad players. Danilo, in particular, offered composure in midfield and the ability to carry the ball through the lines — traits that are hard to replace without significant investment.
With these departures, Forest are now severely lacking in depth. This is especially problematic given their increased fixture load due to Conference League commitments. Competing on multiple fronts requires a squad that is not only talented but also deep enough to handle rotation and injuries.
⚖️ Jota Silva: A Transfer Tug-of-War
Among the names expected to depart next is Jota Silva, the Portuguese winger who joined Forest with much promise but has failed to fully adapt to the demands of the Premier League. Last season, Silva managed just five starts in the league, often finding himself on the fringes of the squad. While his attitude and work rate have not been in question, his output and consistency simply haven’t met the required standard.
Forest have now placed a £13 million valuation on the 25-year-old and are actively encouraging interest — with Sporting CP leading the chase. According to Tom Collomosse (Daily Mail) and further reports from A Bola, Sporting are keen on securing Silva’s services but prefer a loan deal with an option to buy, allowing them time to assess the player.
Forest, however, are reluctant to agree to any deal that does not include a mandatory purchase clause. From the club’s perspective, loaning Silva without a guaranteed sale only delays the issue. They want a clean financial exit or at least assurance that they will recoup a fixed fee in the near future.
🤝 Why Forest May Be Right to Let Silva Leave
Despite Silva’s commitment and flashes of potential, it’s clear that Forest are seeking a higher level of quality as they aim to climb the Premier League table and compete in Europe. At 25, Silva is no longer a developing youngster. If he isn’t in Nuno’s long-term plans, it makes sense to move him on — provided a suitable replacement is secured.
Silva’s limitations in the final third have been evident. His decision-making, finishing, and ability to beat defenders one-on-one have all been questioned. And with Forest preparing to bring in more dynamic and efficient attackers, his role would likely become even more marginal.
For Silva himself, a move back to Portugal — especially to a top side like Sporting — could rejuvenate his career. Regular football, familiar surroundings, and the chance to play in European competitions may suit him more than a rotational role in the Premier League.
📈 Incoming Targets: The Need for Urgency
Forest’s transfer strategy appears clear: offload fringe players, raise funds, and reinvest in quality. The club has been linked with several exciting names, though progress on incomings has been slower than hoped.
▶️ Dan Ndoye
The standout target to replace Elanga is Dan Ndoye, the Swiss international who impressed at Euro 2024. Capable of playing on either wing or even as a wing-back, Ndoye is known for his pace, work rate, and tactical intelligence. He would offer Forest a similar skill set to Elanga, but with perhaps greater technical polish.
Negotiations are ongoing, but a deal could be complicated by interest from other clubs across Europe. Forest will need to act quickly and decisively if they are to bring him in before the season opener.
▶️ James McAtee
Another target is James McAtee of Manchester City. The 21-year-old is regarded as one of England’s brightest midfield talents, having enjoyed a productive loan at Sheffield United. McAtee would bring creativity and composure in possession — qualities that Forest have sorely lacked in central areas.
However, any deal with City is likely to be complex. A permanent transfer would demand a significant fee, while a loan would require assurances over game time. Forest are still very much in the race but need to finalise their stance quickly.
🧩 Tactical Implications and Nuno’s Vision
Nuno Espírito Santo is known for his structured tactical approach. His sides typically defend in a low block and look to counter with pace and precision — a style that places high demands on wingers and attacking midfielders.
Losing Elanga and potentially Silva without adequate replacements would leave the system badly undermined. Forest not only need pace out wide but also creativity and control in central areas to sustain possession and relieve pressure.
Nuno is also keen on versatility. Players like Ndoye, who can operate in multiple roles, are ideal for managing the rigours of a long season. This is why Silva’s profile — largely limited to a single wide role — may no longer fit the tactical vision being implemented.
🏆 The Bigger Picture: Forest’s Ambition in Europe
Nottingham Forest’s qualification for the UEFA Conference League is a historic achievement. It marks the club’s return to European competition and presents both an opportunity and a challenge.
The added fixture congestion will stretch resources, increase travel demands, and require clever rotation. This makes squad depth more important than ever. If Silva were to leave before replacements arrive, Forest could be left short-handed at a crucial time.
Forest’s ambition is to become an established mid-table Premier League side, capable of flirting with the European places year after year. To get there, they must raise the level of their playing staff. Silva, while a decent squad player, doesn’t seem to fit the profile of a club looking to take the next step.
📊 Final Word: High Stakes, High Expectations
This transfer window could define Nottingham Forest’s season. The decisions made in the next few weeks — whether to offload players like Silva, how aggressively to pursue targets like Ndoye and McAtee, and whether the club can strike the right balance between outgoing and incoming business — will determine whether Forest start the campaign with optimism or vulnerability.
Forest must be proactive, not reactive. They cannot afford to wait until deadline day to fill glaring holes in the squad. Nor can they rely on short-term fixes. If the club genuinely wants to thrive in the Premier League while competing in Europe, the rebuild must be strategic, aggressive, and completed in good time.
As for Jota Silva — his chapter at Forest may be nearing its end, but how and when that happens could be pivotal in shaping what comes next.