🔴 Nottingham Forest Summer 2025 Transfer Window Update
Date: June 30, 2025
As Nottingham Forest enter the 2025/26 season, the club stands at a pivotal crossroads. Under the leadership of Nuno Espírito Santo, Forest are moving with renewed clarity and ambition after a solid Premier League campaign. With domestic consolidation achieved and potential European football on the horizon, the club is aiming to reshape and strengthen its squad to meet the demands of a bigger, more competitive season.
This summer window is being defined by a mix of strategic outgoings, targeted international recruitment, and an ongoing effort to retain the club’s most talented players amid significant interest from top-tier teams across Europe.
🧾 CONTRACT EXPIRATIONS & DEPARTURES
⚪ 1. Harry Toffolo – Contract Expired
Today (June 30) marks the official exit of Harry Toffolo, a left-back who has been at the club since 2022. During his time at Forest, Toffolo made nearly 50 appearances and became a fan favorite—most memorably for his crucial goal-line clearance against Spurs last season that effectively kept Forest above the relegation zone.
While not always a starter, his leadership and off-the-ball contributions were valued. His departure opens the door for a new left-back signing, and Forest have already been linked with replacements from Brazil and Europe.
✅ Status: Free Agent
🎯 Potential Replacements: Cuiabano (Botafogo), others under scouting
🧤 2. Wayne Hennessey – Contract Expired (Coaching Talks Underway)
Veteran Welsh goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, now 38, has also seen his contract officially come to an end today. However, rather than a complete departure, Forest are reportedly in discussions with Hennessey over a potential coaching role within the goalkeeping department.
Earlier this year, Hennessey was offered a position with Wales U21s, suggesting his transition from playing to coaching is already in motion.
✅ Status: Out of contract
🧠 Possible Role: Forest Goalkeeping Coach
🇮🇪 3. Andrew Omobamidele – Permanent Transfer to Strasbourg
After a loan spell in France, centre-back Andrew Omobamidele has made his move to Strasbourg permanent. The 21-year-old had joined Forest from Norwich in 2023 but struggled to break into the first team, leading to his loan departure.
Forest reportedly secured a modest fee and are using the space to bring in new, younger defenders more suited to Nuno’s tactical demands.
✅ Status: Sold
💸 Transfer Fee: Undisclosed
✍️ CONTRACT RENEWALS & CLUB COMMITMENT
🛡️ 1. Willy Boly – Extended Until June 2026
Forest have successfully tied down Willy Boly, extending his contract by one year. The 33-year-old Ivorian defender has been a rock in Forest’s backline—commanding in the air, experienced, and tactically disciplined.
With his new deal, Boly is expected to mentor younger defenders while remaining an important first-team option.
✅ Status: New Contract Signed
📆 Duration: Until June 2026
👔 2. Nuno Espírito Santo – Extended Until 2028
The most significant off-pitch development came when Nuno Espírito Santo signed a three-year contract extension. The Portuguese coach, who arrived midway through last season, brought tactical discipline and clarity that helped Forest not only survive but thrive.
Nuno’s contract until 2028 sends a message: Forest are committed to long-term stability and are backing his vision of progressive, high-intensity football.
✅ Status: Long-Term Deal
💬 Nuno: “The club’s ambition matches mine. We’re building something important here.”
📥 INCOMING TRANSFERS – NEAR COMPLETION
🇧🇷 1. Igor Jesus (Striker – Botafogo)
The most anticipated incoming transfer is that of Igor Jesus, a 24-year-old striker from Brazilian side Botafogo. Known for his physicality, defensive work rate, and ability to hold up play, Jesus has drawn comparisons to Didier Drogba in Brazil due to his style.
Forest have been tracking him since January, but Botafogo’s participation in the Club World Cup delayed the transfer. Now that the Brazilian side has exited the competition, Jesus is poised to complete his move to the City Ground.
✅ Status: Transfer “imminent”
💵 Fee: Estimated €10–12 million
🗣️ Reports: “Only final paperwork and medical remain.”
🇧🇷 2. Jair Cunha (Centre-Back – Botafogo)
Joining Jesus could be his teammate Jair Cunha, a 22-year-old Brazilian central defender. Forest have held interest in the player for months and are reportedly close to finalizing a deal.
A meeting this week in Brazil will determine final terms. Jair is seen as a long-term project, with potential to develop under Boly’s mentorship.
✅ Status: Transfer “close”
📈 Potential: Seen as a future Premier League regular
🇪🇸 3. Pablo Maffeo (Right-Back – Mallorca)
Spanish reports claim Forest have agreed personal terms with Pablo Maffeo, an aggressive and technically strong right-back currently at RCD Mallorca.
Maffeo, 26, is also attracting interest from Spanish and Russian clubs, but Forest have positioned themselves well. Mallorca are demanding €10 million (£8.5 million).
✅ Status: Personal terms agreed
💬 Marca: “Forest leading race; fee under discussion”
🟠 LINKED TARGETS
➤ Cuiabano (Left-Back – Botafogo)
With Toffolo gone, Forest are looking to strengthen at left-back. Cuiabano, another Botafogo talent, is a potential target. However, Brighton have also expressed strong interest, making this a competitive chase.
⚠️ Status: Monitoring; Brighton in contention
📌 Decision expected in early July
🚪 POTENTIAL DEPARTURES
🇸🇪 1. Anthony Elanga – Targeted by Newcastle United
Forest have rejected a £45 million bid from Newcastle United for Anthony Elanga, who enjoyed a breakout season under Nuno. His pace, direct running, and creativity made him vital to Forest’s attack.
Newcastle were interested last summer and have renewed their pursuit, but Forest remain adamant that Elanga is not for sale—unless an extraordinary offer is submitted.
❌ Status: Bid rejected
🔁 Expect further interest in July
🏴 2. Morgan Gibbs-White – Interest Cooled (For Now)
Forest’s midfield star has long been admired by top-six clubs, including Manchester City and Tottenham. While City’s interest has reportedly cooled, other suitors remain alert.
Gibbs-White is under contract and central to Nuno’s plans. Forest want to build around him, and any bid below £60 million is unlikely to be entertained.
🔒 Status: Staying (for now)
💰 Estimated value: £55–£65 million
🇵🇾 3. Ramon Sosa – Likely Departure to Palmeiras
Winger Ramon Sosa is close to completing a move to Palmeiras. With Forest targeting new attacking options and prioritizing Elanga and Gibbs-White, Sosa’s departure could streamline the squad.
⏳ Status: Advanced negotiations
💸 Deal expected in July
🇵🇹 4. Jota Silva – Future Uncertain
Another winger whose future is under question. With Nuno reshaping the forward line, Jota Silva may be surplus to requirements depending on incoming deals.
🧐 Status: Subject to internal discussions
⚽ TACTICAL OUTLOOK FOR 2025/26
Under Nuno Espírito Santo, Forest are building toward a compact, disciplined, high-intensity system. The following tactical pillars are shaping recruitment:
High press and defensive shape: Jair Cunha and Maffeo fit this profile.
Quick transitions and vertical play: Jesus and Elanga are central to this.
Control in central midfield: Keeping Gibbs-White is crucial.
Youthful, physical full-backs: Cuiabano (target), Maffeo (almost signed) show this intent.
Expect Forest to run a 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-2-1 system next season with aggressive wing-backs and a solid midfield pivot.
📆 WHAT TO EXPECT IN JULY
✅ Final announcements for Igor Jesus and possibly Jair Cunha
📢 Confirmation of Pablo Maffeo’s fee and medical
⚠️ Further bids for Elanga and speculative interest in Gibbs-White
🚪 Possible exits