Key exits and contract talks loom as Forest plan busy summer | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest Prepare for European Challenge with Multiple Transfer Plans in Motion

Transfer activity hinges on European qualification

Nottingham Forest are poised for a decisive summer, with transfer activity and squad planning dependent on their final position in the Premier League table. As Football Insider report, the club are preparing for European competition next season, but whether that’s in the Europa League or the Conference League could determine both the scale and direction of their transfer approach.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have slipped to seventh after a difficult run of form, with only one win in their last six league matches. With five Champions League spots potentially available this season, Forest’s place in Europe is confirmed, but the precise competition remains crucial.

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According to finance expert Stefan Borson, Forest will tailor their recruitment plans accordingly. “They are not going to want to lose key players,” he told Football Insider. “They obviously are in Europe, but depending on what version of Europe they get, they’re going to invest.”

Key players facing contract talks amid external interest

One major item on Forest’s agenda is the future of Morgan Gibbs-White. The midfielder has been heavily linked with Manchester City, and the club may see his sale as a potential financial lever. “Particularly if they could sell Gibbs-White, then that would give them a decent amount of capacity to start to strengthen the squad,” Borson noted.

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Meanwhile, contract talks are expected with Callum Hudson-Odoi, who has attracted interest from Manchester United. His current deal runs until 2026, as does that of Neco Williams, while Ola Aina’s short-term future has been secured via a triggered extension clause.

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Forest know they must act swiftly to avoid unnecessary uncertainty heading into pre-season. The club are also considering external reinforcements, with Football Insider confirming interest in Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, who could be made available under Arne Slot.

Planning budgets around projected revenues

Financial modelling will play a significant role in Forest’s summer business. Borson explained how clubs now use end-of-season results to forecast revenue and plan accordingly: “What they’re waiting for now is this last couple of weeks to know what is our position? Therefore, what are we likely to earn revenue-wise next season?”

He added: “The two big variables that you’ll have for next year if you’re in Europe will be what are you going to generate from European competition and what are you going to generate from the league merit position.”

Forest’s recruitment team are expected to work with multiple budget models in hand, ensuring readiness whether they finish sixth or seventh.

Elliott among potential high-profile targets

Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott has emerged as a potential summer signing. The 22-year-old has recorded four goals and two assists in 26 appearances this season and remains a highly regarded talent. Wolves, Bournemouth and Newcastle are also said to be monitoring the winger’s situation closely.

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Whether Forest can lure him will depend not only on their European platform, but on the clarity they offer around squad planning, ambitions, and financial flexibility.

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There’s cautious optimism among Forest supporters as the club edges closer to European football, but there’s also plenty of anxiety. The potential of a “lot of action” in the transfer market, as mentioned by Borson, is welcome, especially after a campaign where depth and squad balance have been tested. But the prospect of losing Morgan Gibbs-White would be a huge blow. He’s the creative heartbeat of this team, and replacing him with similar impact would be no easy task.

Interest in Callum Hudson-Odoi is another concern. While not always consistent, he’s been improving and offers something few others in the squad do—pace, flair, and the ability to unlock tight defences. If both he and Gibbs-White were to leave, Forest could be looking at a major rebuild rather than refinement.

Yes, European qualification brings prestige and appeal, but it also brings pressure. Forest need to get this summer right. One or two astute signings like Harvey Elliott could elevate the team, but scattergun spending or short-term fixes might undo the progress made under Nuno. Fans will be watching closely, hopeful, but wary.