With less than four weeks remaining before the 2026/27 Premier League season kicks off with an opening clash against Leeds United at the City Ground, anticipation on Trentside is reaching a fever pitch. Nottingham Forest enter the new campaign under the stewardship of high-profile head coach Oliver Glasner, who has been brought in by owner Evangelos Marinakis to deliver silverware, tactical stability, and a triumphant return to European football.
Following a turbulent previous campaign that saw the Reds secure safety and reach the Europa League semi-finals, the club’s hierarchy opted for a bold managerial transition. Now, armed with £116 million in the coffers following Elliot Anderson’s high-profile departure, Forest are methodically putting the finishing touches on a squad capable of challenging higher up the Premier League table.
Shaping the Squad and Key Additions
While the departure of Anderson leaves an undeniable void in the center of the pitch, the club has already moved astutely in the market. The acquisition of experienced midfielder Xaver Schlager on a free transfer represents a shrewd piece of business. Schlager, who previously worked under Glasner at Wolfsburg, brings elite tactical discipline and box-to-box energy, perfectly complementing Ibrahim Sangare in the middle of the park.
Forest’s senior squad boasts incredible depth across the pitch:
- Goalkeepers: Matz Sels, John Victor
- Defenders/Wing-Backs: Neco Williams, Ola Aina, Nicolo Savona, Luca Netz, Omar Richards, Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic, Morato, Jair Cunha
- Midfielders: Ryan Yates, Nicolas Dominguez, Ibrahim Sangare, Xaver Schlager, Morgan Gibbs-White, James McAtee
- Forwards/Wingers: Callum Hudson-Odoi, Dan Ndoye, Omari Hutchinson, Dilane Bakwa, Chris Wood, Igor Jesus, Taiwo Awoniyi, Arnaud Kalimuendo
The Dream Starting XI
Assuming full fitness across the squad, Glasner’s preferred wing-back system and tactical framework project a formidable starting lineup.
Between the posts, Matz Sels retains his spot as number one. The defensive three is anchored by standout Brazilian star Murillo, flanked by the towering presence of Nikola Milenkovic and Jair Cunha. Out wide, the dynamic partnership of Ola Aina and Neco Williams provides relentless width and defensive solidity. In the engine room, Schlager pairs up with Sangare to break up opposition play and drive the team forward. Further up the pitch, the creative spark is provided by Omari Hutchinson and Morgan Gibbs-White, supporting red-hot talisman Igor Jesus leading the line.
Completing the Jigsaw
While the core group looks exceptionally strong, the recruitment team is far from finished. Ongoing talks to bring in defensive reinforcements like Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande, Feyenoord right-back Givairo Read, and Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall highlight the club’s unwavering ambition.
Another season spent merely scrapping for survival will simply not suffice for Marinakis or Glasner. With the right ingredients now falling into place, Nottingham Forest are primed to make serious waves in the Premier League.
Where do you think Nottingham Forest will finish in the Premier League table this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
