🔴 Nottingham Forest Summer 2025 Transfer Outlook
From Survival to Europe: Now Comes the Real Test
After an astonishing rise that saw Nottingham Forest finish 7th in the Premier League during the 2024/25 season, the club now faces its biggest off-pitch battle yet — keeping the squad together in the face of intense transfer interest from Premier League giants and across Europe.
For a club that only returned to the top flight in 2022, their progress under owner Evangelos Marinakis and the management team has been nothing short of remarkable. Forest’s return to European football has lit a fire under the City Ground, but success brings scrutiny, and now some of their brightest stars are being courted by the elite.
🧱 The Foundation of Forest’s Rise
Before we look at potential outgoings, it’s important to recognize why these players are now so highly valued. The 2024/25 campaign wasn’t a fluke — it was built on:
A balanced recruitment strategy blending youthful flair with experienced leadership.
Tactical cohesion that adapted as the season wore on.
A strong defensive foundation, anchored by Murillo and Milenković.
Explosive transitions led by Gibbs-White, Elanga, and Hudson-Odoi.
The emergence of key midfielders like Danilo and Yates, providing stability and dynamism.
All of this led to Forest not only surviving — but thriving — and qualifying for the UEFA Europa Conference League. Now, they must prepare for a season with three competitions, which makes squad depth and continuity more important than ever.
🚨 Transfer Targets: Who’s Being Chased?
Let’s take a deeper look at the players attracting serious attention — and what Forest must consider in each case.
🌟 Morgan Gibbs-White
Age: 25
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Contract: Long-term
Reported Interest: Manchester City, Tottenham, Aston Villa, clubs abroad
Valuation: ~£70 million
✅ Why He’s So Important:
Club’s primary creator and attacking leader.
Grew into a talismanic figure — both in leadership and output.
Scored 9 goals and provided 11 assists in the league last season.
Excellent work ethic, press-resistance, and ability to carry the ball through midfield.
Strong relationship with the fans and embodies the club’s current identity.
❗ What’s the Risk?
If a Champions League club makes a firm offer and the player pushes to leave, it will be difficult to hold him back — despite his long-term contract. Forest are within their rights to demand a huge fee, but they also risk upsetting the balance of the team if a sale happens late in the window.
🔮 Prediction:
Moderate to High risk of departure. A firm bid from a top-four club could trigger movement. Forest may hold until the last moment to maximize value and secure a replacement.
⚡ Anthony Elanga
Age: 23
Position: Right Winger
Contract: Until 2028
Reported Interest: Newcastle United, West Ham
✅ Why He’s Valuable:
One of the league’s fastest players — verticality and pace in transition.
Developed into a more rounded player — better end product and positioning.
Created space for others with his movement and width.
Homegrown status helps with squad rules in European competition.
❗ What’s the Risk?
While interest is growing, Forest are well protected contractually. Elanga hasn’t made any moves to force an exit, and his role is expected to grow next season with the club in Europe.
🔮 Prediction:
Low risk of departure. Newcastle may test the waters, but unless Elanga wants the move and a large offer is made, he’ll stay.
🛡️ Murillo
Age: 22
Position: Centre-Back
Contract: New five-year deal
Reported Interest: Chelsea, Arsenal, Juventus
Market Value: Rising fast after Brazil call-up
✅ Why He’s Irreplaceable:
Played 36/38 Premier League games.
Superb defensive stats: tackles, blocks, aerial duels won.
Outstanding on the ball — often starts attacking moves with forward passes.
Just earned his first senior cap for Brazil, which has elevated his status worldwide.
Formed a top-tier partnership with Nikola Milenković — statistically comparable to Arsenal’s Saliba-Gabriel duo.
❗ What’s the Risk?
Chelsea and other big clubs may see Murillo as a long-term defensive anchor. However, Forest are under no pressure to sell and have a strong hand — a long contract, player development path, and European football to offer.
🔮 Prediction:
Very low risk of departure this summer. Barring a record-breaking offer (£80m+), Murillo will likely remain at Forest until at least 2026.
👀 Other Notable Players Who May Draw Interest
Nikola Milenković – Forest must ensure they keep at least one of him or Murillo.
Danilo – Brazilian midfielder with all-action style; could appeal to Serie A.
Callum Hudson-Odoi – Quietly had a strong season; a wildcard name for clubs seeking a bounce-back attacker.
Taiwo Awoniyi – His physicality and finishing in key moments remain unique; Forest may look to supplement, not replace, him.
🔍 Tactical Outlook for 2025/26
📈 If They Keep the Core Squad
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Style: Transition-based play, structured off-ball, fast-break counters with width.
Projected Starting XI:
Turner
Aina Milenković Murillo Toffolo
Danilo Yates
Elanga Gibbs-White Hudson-Odoi
Awoniyi
Strengths: Solid spine, fast counters, strong partnerships across the pitch.
European Depth: Sels, Niakhaté, Montiel, Sangaré, Domínguez, Wood, Origi provide rotation options.
Objective: Deep Conference League run + Top 10 league finish.
📉 If They Lose 1-2 Key Players
Let’s say Gibbs-White is sold, and Milenković is also tempted abroad.
Formation: 4-3-3 or 4-1-4-1 depending on new arrivals.
Adjusted XI:
Sels
Montiel New CB Murillo Lodi (if signed)
Danilo
Domínguez Yates
Elanga New CAM Hudson-Odoi
Awoniyi
Required Signings: A dynamic playmaker to replace Gibbs-White, plus a commanding CB.
Challenge: Less chemistry, risk of transitional struggles, especially in early Europe ties.
Strategy: Buy players with strong domestic or European experience to minimize disruption.
🧠 Strategic Recommendations for the Club
- Hold the line: Sell only if truly transformative offers arrive, and only early in the window.
- Reinvest smartly: Replace star talent with players who fit the system — don’t chase names.
- Lean into European exposure: Use the Conference League as a development platform and showcase.
- Protect Murillo at all costs: He’s the long-term anchor of this team. Build around him.
- Depth is now vital: Forest must prepare for 50+ matches next season. Two players per position is a must.
🏁 Final Word: Forest Are at a Crossroads
Nottingham Forest have done what few newly promoted clubs manage — establish themselves not just as Premier League survivors, but as European contenders. This summer is not just about retaining talent — it’s about proving that the club can grow without selling its soul to the transfer market.
If Forest keep their key stars and make two to three smart additions, they could be looking at:
A top-eight Premier League finish again.
A serious push to win the UEFA Conference League.
A growing reputation as a club on the rise, rather than a stepping stone.
But if they lose Gibbs-White and a defensive pillar like Murillo or Milenković without adequate replacement, they risk stalling their own momentum.
The summer of 2025 may well be the most decisive moment yet in Forest’s Premier League story.