Nottingham Forest have concluded a profitable and ambitious summer transfer window, investing roughly £119 million in new signings while recouping over £130 million from player sales. The club, currently 15th in the Premier League with one point from two games, focused on adding quality to Oliver Glasner's squad with several major acquisitions.
The headline arrivals include striker Liam Delap from Chelsea for an initial £45 million and centre-back Ousmane Diomande from Sporting CP for £35 million. Daniel Munoz joined from Crystal Palace for £22 million and Gustavo Sa arrived from Famalicao for £17 million before immediately joining sister club Olympiacos on loan. The club also secured the free signing of midfielder Xaver Schlager after his contract with RB Leipzig ended.
The significant outlay was offset by substantial player sales. The club received £116 million for Elliot Anderson and £9 million for Taiwo Awoniyi. Jota Silva departed for £5 million, while an undisclosed fee was agreed for David Carmo. This activity leaves Forest with a positive net spend as they head into the new season, where they have scored two goals and conceded three in their opening fixtures.
Not all of Forest's business was successful. A £40 million deal for Everton's Harrison Armstrong collapsed after the Merseyside club's hierarchy pulled the plug following fan backlash. The club also made an offer for Tottenham's Lucas Bergvall but could not agree terms. Late bids for Liverpool's Trey Nyoni and an approach for Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson were knocked back. Wing-back targets Javi Rueda and Anan Khalaili, who joined Palace, were also pursued, while interest in Feyenoord's Givairo Read did not lead to a deal. Fiorentina right-back Dodo was considered a fallback option throughout the window.
Oliver Glasner's squad now aligns more closely with his stated preference for a compact group of 23 or 24 senior players supported by youth. With no European football this season, a large squad is not necessary. The defensive unit has been simplify, with Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic, Ousmane Diomande, and Jair Cunha as the only natural central defenders following loan moves for Morato, Zach Abbott, and Tyler Bindon. Versatile players like Nicolo Savona and Ola Aina provide cover in the back three, with Ryan Yates also capable of dropping into defence.
The attacking wide areas have seen a reduction in numbers after the departures of Omari Hutchinson and Dilane Bakwa, leaving Dan Ndoye and Callum Hudson-Odoi as the primary options. This is only a potential issue if Glasner opts for traditional wingers, which currently seems unlikely given his tactical flexibility. The manager has indicated he will be more adaptable than during his time at Crystal Palace, where he frequently used a 3-4-2-1 shape.
Early in the summer, Oliver Glasner outlined his desire for quality over quantity. He wanted to see Forest sign a central defender, a full-back, another central midfielder and a striker. Speaking after the window closed, Glasner noted that "three of those boxes were ticked off with the additions of Diomande, Delap and Munoz." The signing of Delap, in particular, is viewed as a major coup with high potential for immediate impact, and he will be mentored by proven Premier League striker Chris Wood.
The club's ambition to establish itself as a regular European competitor remains clear, with this season targeted as a significant step towards that goal. The immediate focus shifts to the pitch, where Forest face a quick turnaround. The squad will be without the injured Nicolò Savona and Ibrahim Sangaré.
