Goalkeepers
1. Matt Turner
Nationality: American
Former Clubs: New England Revolution, Arsenal
Transfer Fee: £10 million (2023)
Matt Turner has silenced early sceptics to become Nottingham Forest’s undisputed number one, providing shot-stopping reliability and leadership following his Arsenal departure. The American’s reflexes (73% save percentage in 2024/25) and command of the penalty area (86% cross-claiming success) have been instrumental in Forest’s mid-table stability. His post-shot expected goals prevented (PSxG+/-) reached +4.1, ranking among the league’s top fifteen. Turner’s distribution (85% pass completion) remains his weakness, but Nuno’s system accommodates this by building play through centre-backs. Having started 36 Premier League matches in 2024/25, keeping 12 clean sheets, he has proven remarkably durable. Turner’s relationship with American teammates (none currently) provides comfort; his Arsenal experience provided big-club exposure. Turner’s contract runs through 2028, with Forest rejecting January 2025 approaches. His performance against Arsenal in 2025—making 9 saves in a 0-0 draw—demonstrated his quality against his former club.
2. Odysseas Vlachodimos
Nationality: Greek
Former Clubs: Panathinaikos, Benfica
Transfer Fee: £8 million (2023)
Odysseas Vlachodimos has accepted a rotational role following Turner’s emergence, providing Greek international pedigree and Champions League experience as backup. The 31-year-old’s shot-stopping (70% save percentage in limited appearances) remains reliable. His distribution (87% pass completion) is functional. Vlachodimos’s experience—including 50+ Champions League appearances for Benfica—provides invaluable big-game exposure for the dressing room. He started 10 matches in 2024/25 (cup competitions), keeping 4 clean sheets. Vlachodimos’s contract runs through 2027, with Forest considering extension or sale. His performance against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup—making 6 saves in a 1-0 victory—demonstrated his quality.
3. George Shelvey
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
George Shelvey has graduated from Forest’s academy to emergency third-choice option following promising youth development. The 23-year-old’s shot-stopping fundamentals are sound, though his distribution requires refinement. Shelvey’s contract runs through 2028, with a loan likely for continued development.
Defenders
1. Murillo
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Corinthians
Transfer Fee: £15 million (2023)
Murillo has become one of the Premier League’s most exciting young centre-backs, combining Brazilian flair with defensive physicality and ball-playing excellence. The 23-year-old’s passing range (5.4 progressive passes per 90), particularly his line-breaking verticals and disguised diagonals, initiates attacks from deep. His reading of the game (2.5 interceptions per 90) and tackling (2.7 per 90) provide defensive security. Murillo’s ball-carrying (4.1 progressive carries per 90) through defensive lines bypasses opposition presses. His aerial duel success (76%) improved through Premier League exposure. Murillo’s partnership with Nikola Milenković has conceded only 1.04 goals per 90 minutes over two seasons. His relationship with Brazilian teammates (none currently) provides comfort; his Corinthians experience provided big-club pressure handling. Murillo’s contract runs through 2029, with Forest rejecting January 2025 approaches from Barcelona. His performance against Manchester City in 2025—playing out of pressure, scoring a stunning solo goal—demonstrated his elite ceiling.
2. Nikola Milenković
Nationality: Serbian
Former Clubs: Partizan, Fiorentina
Transfer Fee: £12 million (2024)
Nikola Milenković’s summer 2024 arrival from Fiorentina added Serbian physicality, aerial dominance, and Serie A tactical education to Forest’s backline. The 28-year-old’s aerial duel success (83%) ranks among the Premier League’s best, neutralising target forwards and providing set-piece security. His tackling (2.5 per 90) and blocks (1.3 per 90) demonstrate old-school defending. Milenković’s passing (86% completion) remains basic; his role involves clearing danger and recycling possession to Murillo. His partnership with Murillo has developed rapidly; their complementary styles (Milenković’s physicality, Murillo’s technique) create defensive synergy. Milenković’s relationship with Serbian teammates (none currently) provides comfort. His contract runs through 2029, with Forest viewing him as long-term defensive cornerstone. Milenković’s performance against Chelsea in 2025—winning 10 duels, scoring a towering header—demonstrated his influence.
3. Neco Williams
Nationality: Welsh
Former Clubs: Liverpool, Fulham (loan)
Transfer Fee: £18 million (2022)
Neco Williams has established himself as Forest’s first-choice right-back, providing attacking thrust, Welsh international pedigree, and relentless work rate. The 24-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.9 per 90) and crossing (37% accuracy) created 5 assists in 2024/25. His defensive work rate—tracking wingers (2.3 tackles per 90), recovery pace (35.0 km/h)—provides balance. Williams’s versatility across right-back and right wing-back offers Nuno tactical options. His relationship with Welsh teammates (none currently) provides comfort; his Liverpool academy education provided technical foundations. Williams’s contract runs through 2029, with Forest rejecting January 2025 approaches. His performance against Tottenham in 2025—assisting the winning goal, making 5 tackles—demonstrated his two-way ceiling.
4. Nuno Tavares
Nationality: Portuguese
Former Clubs: Benfica, Arsenal, Marseille (loan), Lazio (loan)
Transfer Fee: £10 million (2024)
Nuno Tavares’s permanent signing in summer 2024, following a successful loan from Arsenal, added Portuguese attacking thrust and unpredictability to Forest’s left flank. The 25-year-old’s acceleration (0-30 km/h in 2.6 seconds) and overlapping runs (4.3 per 90) terrorise defenders; his crossing (38% accuracy) created 6 assists in 2024/25. Tavares’s defensive positioning remains vulnerable (dribbled past 1.7 times per 90), but his recovery pace compensates. His relationship with Portuguese-speaking teammates (including any signings) provides comfort. Tavares’s contract runs through 2029, with Forest viewing him as long-term left-back solution. His performance against Brighton in 2025—assisting two goals, making 4 tackles—demonstrated his attacking ceiling.
5. Ola Aina
Nationality: Nigerian
Former Clubs: Chelsea, Hull City (loan), Torino, Fulham (loan)
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Ola Aina has become Forest’s versatile defensive Swiss Army knife, providing cover across right-back, left-back, and right wing-back with Nigerian international experience. The 29-year-old’s defensive positioning (1.9 interceptions per 90), tackling (2.4 per 90), and 1v1 defending provide reliability. His attacking output (2 assists in 2024/25) remains limited but functional. Aina’s versatility offers Nuno tactical flexibility, particularly when shifting formations mid-match. His relationship with Nigerian teammates (none currently) provides comfort. Aina’s contract runs through 2027, with Forest considering extension. His performance against Liverpool in 2025—filling at left-back, keeping Mohamed Salah quiet—demonstrated his defensive ceiling.
6. Moussa Niakhaté
Nationality: Senegalese
Former Clubs: Metz, Mainz 05
Transfer Fee: £15 million (2022)
Moussa Niakhaté’s Forest career has been disrupted by injuries (missed 16 matches in 2024/25), yet the Senegalese centre-back provides physical depth and left-footed balance when fit. The 29-year-old’s aerial duel success (78%) and tackling (2.4 per 90) provide defensive security. His passing (87% completion) remains secure. Niakhaté’s relationship with French-speaking teammates (including any signings) provides comfort. His contract runs through 2027, with Forest considering sale given his injury record. Niakhaté’s performance against Brentford in 2025—winning 9 duels, keeping a clean sheet—demonstrated his quality when available.
7. Scott McKenna
Nationality: Scottish
Former Clubs: Aberdeen, Hull City (loan)
Transfer Fee: £3 million (2020)
Scott McKenna has accepted a rotational role following Milenković’s arrival, providing Scottish physicality and aerial dominance as fifth-choice centre-back. The 29-year-old’s aerial duel success (79%) and no-nonsense defending provide emergency cover. McKenna’s contract expires in 2027, with a move to Scotland or Championship likely thereafter.
8. Harry Toffolo
Nationality: English
Former Clubs:
Transfer Fee: £2.5 million (2022)
Harry Toffolo has provided reliable left-back cover following Forest’s promotion, accepting a reduced role behind Tavares. The 30-year-old’s crossing (36% accuracy) and work rate (11.0 kilometres per match) offer functional backup. Toffolo’s contract expires in 2027, with a move likely.
Midfielders
1. Morgan Gibbs-White
Nationality: English
Former Clubs:
Transfer Fee: £42 million (2022)
Morgan Gibbs-White has justified Forest’s club-record fee by becoming one of the Premier League’s most creative attacking midfielders, earning England recognition in 2025. The 25-year-old’s dribbling (3.9 successful take-ons per 90) and close control unlock packed defences. His passing range (0.45 expected assists per 90), particularly disguised through balls and clipped finishes, orchestrates Forest’s attacking phases. Gibbs-White’s finishing (10 goals in 2024/25) and creativity (9 assists) provide elite production. His work rate defensively (2.1 tackles per 90) and pressing intensity (10.8 pressures per 90) exceed expectations for a creative player. Gibbs-White’s relationship with English teammates provides comfort; his Wolverhampton education under Nuno (2019-2021) provides tactical shorthand. Gibbs-White’s contract runs through 2030, with Forest rejecting January 2025 approaches from Arsenal and Tottenham. His performance against Manchester United in 2025—scoring a brace, assisting another—demonstrated his elite ceiling.
2. Danilo
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Palmeiras
Transfer Fee: £16 million (2023)
Danilo has emerged as Forest’s midfield engine, providing Brazilian technical quality, ball-carrying, and tactical discipline from central midfield. The 24-year-old’s ball-carrying (4.3 progressive carries per 90) through central areas bypasses opposition presses. His passing (89% completion, 4.7 progressive passes) and composure under pressure enable Forest to build play through midfield. Danilo’s tackling (2.8 per 90) and work rate (11.4 kilometres per match) provide midfield security. His goal contributions (6 goals, 5 assists in 2024/25) added unexpected scoring dimension. Danilo’s partnership with Gibbs-White has developed telepathic understanding; their combinations produced 10 direct goal contributions. His relationship with Brazilian teammates (Murillo) provides comfort. Danilo’s contract runs through 2029, with Forest rejecting January 2025 approaches. His performance against Aston Villa in 2025—controlling midfield, scoring a 25-yard screamer—demonstrated his ceiling.
3. Ibrahim Sangaré
Nationality: Ivorian
Former Clubs:
Transfer Fee: £30 million (2023)
Ibrahim Sangaré’s Forest career finally found traction in 2024/25 after a difficult debut season, with the Ivorian providing physical midfield destruction and ball recovery. The 28-year-old’s tackling (3.3 per 90) and interceptions (2.4 per 90) lead Forest’s midfield. His physicality (6’3”, 83kg) and aerial duel success (76%) provide dominance in central areas. Sangaré’s passing (87% completion) remains secure if unambitious. His partnership with Danilo and Gibbs-White provides balance (Sangaré’s destruction, Danilo’s progression, Gibbs-White’s creativity). Sangaré’s relationship with French-speaking teammates (including any signings) provides comfort. His contract runs through 2029, with Forest hopeful of continued improvement. Sangaré’s performance against Chelsea in 2025—making 9 tackles, dominating midfield—demonstrated his value.
4. Ryan Yates
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Academy graduate, Shrewsbury Town (loan), Scunthorpe United (loan)
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Ryan Yates has become Nottingham Forest’s homegrown heartbeat and dressing room leader, surviving the club’s journey from Championship promotion through Premier League survival. The 28-year-old’s work rate (11.8 kilometres per match), tackling (3.0 per 90), and pressing intensity (11.2 pressures per 90) set Forest’s standards. His passing (84% completion) remains basic, but his tactical discipline (2.1 interceptions per 90) provides midfield security. Yates’s versatility across defensive midfield and central midfield offers Nuno tactical options. His relationship with the club—academy since age eight, boyhood Forest fan—provides emotional connection supporters adore. Yates’s contract runs through 2028, with Forest viewing him as long-term squad leader. His performance against Derby County in the FA Cup (not league, but symbolic)—scoring the winning goal, making 7 tackles—demonstrated his influence.
5. Nicolas Domínguez
Nationality: Argentine
Former Clubs: Vélez Sarsfield, Bologna
Transfer Fee: £7 million (2023)
Nicolas Domínguez has become a reliable midfield rotation option, providing Argentine tactical intelligence, work rate, and versatility. The 27-year-old’s positioning (2.0 interceptions per 90), tackling (2.5 per 90), and pressing (10.9 pressures per 90) provide midfield security. His passing (87% completion) remains secure. Domínguez’s versatility across central midfield and defensive midfield offers Nuno tactical options. His relationship with Spanish-speaking teammates (including any signings) provides comfort. Domínguez’s contract runs through 2028, with Forest viewing him as valuable squad piece. His performance against Luton in 2025—controlling midfield, assisting the winner—demonstrated his reliability.
6. Lewis O’Brien
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Huddersfield Town, DC United (loan)
Transfer Fee: £9 million (2022)
Lewis O’Brien’s Forest career has been disrupted by loan moves and limited opportunities, yet the midfielder remains an emergency option providing energy and passing range. The 27-year-old’s work rate (11.3 kilometres per match) and progressive passing (4.4 per 90) offer value. O’Brien’s contract runs through 2027, with a permanent sale likely.
Forwards
1. Anthony Elanga
Nationality: Swedish
Former Clubs: Manchester United
Transfer Fee: £15 million (2023)
Anthony Elanga has become Forest’s most devastating attacking weapon, providing Swedish pace, direct running, and improving end product from the left flank. The 23-year-old’s acceleration (0-30 km/h in 2.5 seconds) and dribbling (4.0 successful take-ons per 90) terrorise defenders. His finishing (11 goals in 2024/25) and creativity (7 assists) provide balanced output. Elanga’s work rate defensively—tracking full-backs (2.0 tackles per 90), pressing—suits Nuno’s counter-attacking system. His relationship with Swedish teammates (none currently) provides comfort; his Manchester United education provided elite coaching exposure. Elanga’s contract runs through 2029, with Forest rejecting January 2025 approaches from Newcastle. His performance against Liverpool in 2025—scoring a stunning solo goal, assisting another—demonstrated his ceiling.
2. Taiwo Awoniyi
Nationality: Nigerian
Former Clubs: Liverpool, Mainz 05 (loan), Union Berlin (loan)
Transfer Fee: £17 million (2022)
Taiwo Awoniyi’s Forest career has been a study in frustration—devastating when fit, but plagued by injuries (missed 18 matches in 2024/25). The Nigerian’s physicality (6’0”, 82kg), hold-up play (74% success receiving back to goal), and finishing (9 goals in 1,500 minutes in 2024/25) remain elite when available. His work rate pressing centre-backs (11.0 pressures per 90) sets Forest’s defensive tone from the front. Awoniyi’s relationship with Nigerian teammates (Aina) provides comfort. His contract runs through 2029, with Forest hopeful of improved fitness. Awoniyi’s performance against Chelsea in 2025—scoring a brace, winning 10 duels—demonstrated his quality when fit.
3. Callum Hudson-Odoi
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Chelsea, Bayer Leverkusen (loan)
Transfer Fee: £5 million (2024)
Callum Hudson-Odoi’s permanent signing in summer 2024, following a successful loan from Chelsea, added English attacking flair and dribbling quality to Forest’s right flank. The 25-year-old’s dribbling (3.7 successful take-ons per 90) and cutting inside onto his right foot (4.0 shots per 90 from inside-right channel) provide attacking thrust. His finishing (6 goals in 2024/25) and creativity (5 assists) offer solid output. Hudson-Odoi’s defensive work rate (1.7 tackles per 90) improved through coaching. His relationship with English teammates provides comfort. Hudson-Odoi’s contract runs through 2029, with Forest viewing him as long-term right-wing option. His performance against Brentford in 2025—scoring a stunning curler, assisting another—demonstrated his quality.
4. Chris Wood
Nationality: New Zealand
Former Clubs: West Bromwich Albion, Leicester City, Brighton & Hove Albion, Bristol City (loan), Burnley, Newcastle United
Transfer Fee: £2.5 million (2024)
Chris Wood has defied age expectations at 34, providing veteran striking depth, aerial dominance, and penalty-box presence for Forest. The New Zealander’s finishing (7 goals in limited minutes, 1,200 in 2024/25, 25% conversion rate) remains clinical. His aerial duel success (77%) and hold-up play (69% success) provide alternative to Awoniyi’s physicality. Wood’s experience—including 150+ Premier League goals—provides dressing room wisdom. His contract runs through 2027, with a coaching role or New Zealand return likely thereafter. Wood’s performance against Everton in 2025—scoring a towering header, winning 9 duels—demonstrated enduring quality.
5. Morgan Gibbs-White
Nationality: English (covered in midfield)
Note: Already covered in midfield section.
6. Divock Origi
Nationality: Belgian
Former Clubs: Lille, Liverpool, Wolfsburg (loan), Burnley (loan)
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2025)
Divock Origi’s free transfer in summer 2025, following his AC Milan departure, added cult hero status and Champions League-winning experience to Forest’s attack. The 30-year-old’s finishing (4 goals in limited minutes for Milan in 2024/25) remains unpredictable but occasionally brilliant. His versatility across center-forward and left wing offers Nuno tactical options. Origi’s relationship with French-speaking teammates provides comfort; his Liverpool experience (Champions League final winner 2019) provides invaluable big-game mentality. Origi’s contract runs through 2028, with Forest viewing him as experienced depth. His performance against Arsenal in 2025—entering at 0-0, scoring a 88th-minute winner—demonstrated his enduring clutch quality.
7. Emmanuel Dennis
Nationality: Nigerian
Former Clubs: Zorya Luhansk, Club Brugge, Watford, Istanbul Başakşehir (loan)
Transfer Fee: £10 million (2022)
Emmanuel Dennis’s Forest career has been disappointing, with the Nigerian winger falling out of favour and spending 2024/25 on loan at Watford. His contract expires in 2027, with a permanent sale likely.
Conclusion
Nottingham Forest’s 2025/26 squad represents the most stable and strategically coherent group assembled since the club’s return to the Premier League, a testament to Nuno Espírito Santo’s coaching, Evangelos Marinakis’s matured ownership, and the recruitment team’s disciplined evolution. The defence, anchored by Murillo’s Brazilian flair and Nikola Milenković’s Serbian physicality, provides platform for Nuno’s counter-attacking system. The midfield, dominated by Morgan Gibbs-White’s creativity and Danilo’s Brazilian energy, controls matches through transitions and pressing. The attack, headlined by Anthony Elanga’s devastating pace and Taiwo Awoniyi’s physical presence (when fit), carries genuine goal threat on the break. Crucially, Forest has balanced immediate competitiveness with long-term planning; Murillo, Gibbs-White, Elanga, and Danilo represent significant resale value while contributing immediately. The looming challenge involves maintaining mid-table consistency while avoiding the relegation anxieties that defined the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns. Yet the City Ground’s legendary atmosphere, amplified by supporters who remember the darkness of League One and the glory of Clough’s European Cups, provides emotional fuel. Forest no longer fights merely for survival; they compete with genuine ambition to establish themselves as Premier League regulars in the top half. The Garibaldi Reds are building something sustainable. The famous old club is stirring again. Come on Forest.
