Criticisms levied by Nuno Espirito Santo against Nottingham Forest's transfer dealings
Nottingham Forest is gearing up for the 2025-2026 Premier League season, but manager Nuno Espirito Santo is expressing concerns about the club's transfer strategy. The Portuguese coach guided the team to seventh place in the previous season, qualifying for European competition, but he believes that the squad needs strengthening to meet the demands of both the domestic league and the Europa Conference League.
The uncertainty over new signings is affecting preparations for the new season. Nuno has stated that rotating players due to their lack of readiness is a major problem due to the intensity and demands of the games. The team has not won a single match during the pre-season, scoring only one goal.
Despite some summer signings like Dan Ndoye, James McAtee, Omari Hutchinson, and Arnaud Kalimuendo, the recruitment pace is perceived as slow relative to the club’s ambitions. The club is reportedly close to spending around £100m on James McAtee from Manchester City, Omari Hutchinson from Ipswich, Arnaud Kalimuendo from Rennes, and Douglas Luiz from Juventus. However, Nuno wants at least four more players, including a goalkeeper, full-back, winger, and striker.
The concern stems from the need to bolster both forward and defensive areas to ensure the team can maintain domestic and European performances. The transfer window shows some activity, but the balance and depth of the squad remain a priority. Nuno’s apprehension is also tied to economic and strategic factors, such as negotiations around potential swap deals and the challenge of securing key targets timely enough before the season intensifies.
Nottingham Forest has signed Igor Jesus, Jair Cunha from Botafogo, and Angus Gunn as new players. However, the club is yet to secure four more players as stated by Nuno. Morgan Gibbs-White, who was linked with a move to Tottenham, has remained with the club, signing a new contract.
Nottingham Forest is set to begin the Premier League season against Brentford at the City Ground on Sunday. The club will be hoping to turn around their pre-season form and start the new season on a high note.
[1] BBC Sport. (2025, August 4). Nottingham Forest 'close to £100m signings' in transfer window. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59402407
[2] Sky Sports. (2025, August 5). Nuno: Nottingham Forest 'close' to £100m signings. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11730/12341580/nuno-nottingham-forest-close-to-100m-signings
[3] Sky Sports. (2025, August 3). Nottingham Forest 0-1 Bournemouth: Pre-season friendly. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/football/match/4035985/match-report
[4] BBC Sport. (2025, August 1). Nottingham Forest 0-0 Blackpool: Pre-season friendly. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59379292
[5] The Guardian. (2025, August 6). Nottingham Forest's Nuno Espirito Santo concerned by slow recruitment. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/aug/06/nottingham-forest-nuno-espirito-santo-concerned-by-slow-recruitment-ahead-of-premier-league-season
- Nuno Espirito Santo, Nottingham Forest's manager, is worried about the slow pace of recruitment, stating that the team needs at least four more players, including a goalkeeper, full-back, winger, and striker.
- The club has made some moves in the transfer market, acquiring Igor Jesus, Jair Cunha from Botafogo, and Angus Gunn, but four additional players are still needed, as indicated by Nuno.
- The uncertainty over new signings is affecting preparations for the 2025-2026 Premier League season, with the club reportedly close to spending around £100m on James McAtee from Manchester City, Omari Hutchinson from Ipswich, Arnaud Kalimuendo from Rennes, and Douglas Luiz from Juventus.
- Despite the club's ambitions, Nuno's apprehension is also tied to economic and strategic factors, such as negotiations around potential swap deals and the challenge of securing key targets timely enough before the season intensifies.
