Nottingham Forest look to build on last season's success

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Preview of Nottingham Forest’s 25/26 Premier League campaign

Nuno Espírito Santo will be aiming to build on last season’s progress, although the added demands of European football may present a challenge.

Author | Kieran M

25/26 season | Forest season preview

How can Forest improve on last season?

Forest know they must improve in possession and take control of games, particularly once European competition begins. Playing twice a week is a gruelling schedule for a side set up to chase the ball and counter. Nuno Espírito Santo’s system has served him well before, but there is a sense that evolution is required to keep Forest competitive. Pre-season has hinted at a shift in approach, with the change warmly received inside the club.

READ MORE | How they missed out on Champions League football last season

How has the club's pre season been?

Not great. Seven friendlies brought just one goal and five goalless draws, hardly ideal preparation for building on last season’s progress. The problem has not been the creation of chances but composure in front of goal, something that could yet prompt the arrival of another striker.

READ MORE | Forest players gain valuable minutes against Monaco

How have Forest done in the transfer market?

The departure of Anthony Elanga leaves a gap that is difficult to fill. His pace was integral to Nuno’s plans and replacing someone who could almost rival an Olympic sprinter is no simple task. Dan Ndoye’s club-record signing brings optimism, though.

Keeping Morgan Gibbs-White has been perhaps the biggest triumph of the summer. Widely tipped to join Tottenham for £60m, the midfielder instead signed a new three-year contract. Evangelos Marinakis, often criticised since promotion, deserves credit for convincing him to commit to the City Ground.

Whch players could be key?

One player to watch is Zach Abbott. The 19-year-old signed a new four-year deal and is highly regarded within the club. He was handed a surprise FA Cup semi-final start at right-back against Manchester City, having previously played in his preferred centre-back role in the Carabao Cup. With European qualification increasing the fixture list, his Premier League debut feels a matter of time.

Dan Ndoye could also be key. He arrives as Forest’s record signing, with the €40m spent on the Swiss winger a carefully considered investment. Identified early as Anthony Elanga’s successor, he impressed at Bologna, helping them qualify for the Champions League and adding valuable European experience. At 24, he fits the club’s model of signing players with scope to improve. While not as quick as Elanga, his output is strong, with eight goals and four assists in 30 Serie A appearances last season.

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