The summer transfer window is hurtling toward its September 1 deadline, and the atmosphere around the City Ground is a mix of calculated calm and high-stakes anticipation. As Nottingham Forest prepare to tackle the 2026/27 campaign under the tactical guidance of new head coach Oliver Glasner, the final pieces of the squad-building puzzle are falling into place.
Unlike previous chaotic summers, this window has been defined by a philosophy of quality over quantity. Following a challenging relegation battle last term, the club recognized that the foundational spine of a strong dressing room was already in place. Instead of a wholesale squad overhaul, the focus has shifted entirely to precision reinforcements, retaining key crown jewels, and trimming the fat to give Glasner an elite, streamlined group.
Securing the Final Incomings: The Hunt for a Star Striker
Forest have already added quality to the ranks this summer, welcoming midfielder Xaver Schlager, defender Ousmane Diomande, and goalkeeper Steven Benda. However, as deadline day approaches, the recruitment team is eyeing a few crucial finishing touches.
- The Right-Back Solution: A deal is rapidly progressing to bring Fiorentina right-back Dodo to Trentside. Valued around €10 million (£8.5m) with a contract lined up until 2030, the Brazilian defender fits Glasner’s preferred three-at-the-back system like a glove.
- The Marquee No. 9 Quest: The biggest priority remaining on the shopping list is a dominant, mobile central forward. Chelsea’s Liam Delap has emerged as a prime target, though securing his signature won’t come cheap, with an estimated price tag sitting between £40 million and £50 million amid heavy interest from rival suitors like Everton and Newcastle United.
Meanwhile, while central midfield targets like Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall and Fiorentina’s Nicolo Fagioli have been monitored, James McAtee’s ability to drop deeper has temporarily eased that need, pushing midfield reinforcements down the priority list.
Retaining the Core: Holding Onto the Crown Jewels
While the club reluctantly sanctioned a massive £116 million sale of Elliot Anderson to Manchester City earlier in the window—a fee deemed simply too good to turn down—owner Evangelos Marinakis and Glasner are fully aligned on holding the line for the rest of the squad.
Star performers like Morgan Gibbs-White, Murillo, and Neco Williams have predictably drawn heavy interest from across Europe. However, Glasner made it clear that he didn’t even need formal assurances to know the club’s stance on keeping their elite talent.
As the manager recently emphasized:
“We all know, we can’t sell five top players, because then we get weaker… There will always be a price. But if we think, if we sell a player and invest this money, then we can get better, I think then we would accept the offer. But if we think we can’t replace this player and we can’t get better, we won’t do it because we don’t have financial issues.”
Maintaining that core group intact through September 1 is the ultimate key to Forest’s success this season.
Trimming the Fat for a Leaner Squad
With no European football on the schedule, Glasner has been vocal about his preference for a tight, manageable squad size: roughly 20 to 22 outfield players plus three goalkeepers. This lean approach ensures that top academy prospects actually have a viable pathway to first-team minutes.
Following Taiwo Awoniyi’s permanent departure to Coventry City, further trimming is expected before the window shuts:
- The arrival of Dodo could pave the way for Nicolo Savona to seek opportunities elsewhere.
- Long-term absentee Omar Richards is expected to finally secure a permanent exit.
- Decisions will be made regarding loan pathways for young talents like Zach Abbott and Eric da Silva Moreira.
- Meanwhile, after an impressive pre-season scoring run, Arnaud Kalimuendo is currently projected to stay put and fight for a place up front, barring a massive late bid.
If Forest can successfully land their target striker, finalize the backline, and keep their core intact, this could go down as an absolute masterclass of a transfer window. Buckle up, Reds fans—the final countdown to deadline day is going to be a thrilling ride!
