Nuno Espírito Santo has a new deal to 2028 and Forest are back in Europe. Even so, public comments about a strained relationship with Evangelos Marinakis sparked debate about his position. Here’s where things stand and who would top the list if the seat opened, based on current reporting and this summer’s transfer moves.
Current Nottingham Forest Manager
Nuno Espírito Santo remains in post and, after a superb campaign, has taken Nottingham Forest back into UEFA competition for the first time since the mid-1990s. He signed an extension through 2028, underlining confidence in the project and giving the club medium-term stability.
The squad has been reinforced with Dan Ndoye, Omari Hutchinson, James McAtee, Arnaud Kalimuendo and Douglas Luiz. Those signings followed concerns about depth and give Forest more pace out wide, creativity in midfield and control in possession. Early signs on the pitch are positive, with contributions across the new arrivals.
Reasons for Nuno Espírito Santo departure talk
Speculation did not start with results; it started with relationships and recruitment. Nuno acknowledged that his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis has “changed,” which prompted headlines. Around the same time, Forest’s front office structure evolved with Edu Gaspar installed as Head of Global Football, sharpening decision lines on targets and fees.
Recruitment has been active and largely aligned with Nuno’s requests after the Elanga exit: wide threats (Ndoye, Hutchinson), a creative eight/ten (McAtee), a penalty-box forward (Kalimuendo) and a high-level midfielder (Douglas Luiz). Even so, the staff continues to seek a goalkeeper and full-backs to round out the group. When those needs surfaced in public, some outlets framed it as tension over profiles of newcomers and Edu’s veto on the players he wanted to see in Santo’s squad., which in turn triggered talk about the coach’s future.
How strong is Nuno’s position? Contract length, European qualification and an upgraded squad point to continuity. Counterpoints are the public nature of the comments and the Premier League’s unforgiving spotlight when coach–owner relations cool. For now, the expectation is dialogue rather than dismissal while the window finalises and the European schedule begins.
Nuno Espirito Santo himself called his possible departure from the club “absurd” over the weekend:
“I am working, and trying to do my job the best I can. I have had good conversations [with Marinakis and Edu], to provide a good platform for the team.”
However, it is possible that we are currently observing a calm before the storm, and all the key figures in this story are trying to fix the broken plate.
Who will be the next Nottingham Forest manager?
Bookmakers have published a list of the main contenders for the position of new Forest manager. Among them are both in-work and free agents. The main contender, according to bookmakers’ odds, is Ange Postecoglou, who revealed himself to English Premier League fans last season.
| Candidate | Odds |
|---|---|
| Ange Postecoglou | 2.5 |
| Brendan Rodgers | 5 |
| Sean Dyche | 7 |
| Oliver Glasner | 9 |
| Pedro Martins | 11 |
| Gareth Southgate | 17 |
| Frank Lampard | 17 |
| Julen Lopetegui | 17 |
| Christian Streich | 17 |
| Bo Svensson | 17 |
| Carlos Corberan | 17 |
| Sebastian Hoeness | 17 |
| Andoni Iraola | 17 |
| Jose Luis Mendilibar | 17 |
| Sergio Conceicao | 17 |
| Kasper Hjulmand | 17 |
Ange Postecoglou — the main contender
Postecoglou’s high-tempo 4-3-3 matches Forest’s current build: pacey wingers, aggressive eights and a proactive press. He is a credible option if a change comes, with a clear scheme the squad could adopt quickly. Postecoglou was left out of work at the end of last season, having been sacked by Tottenham. However, behind the Premier League failure lies the club’s first international trophy: victory in the UEFA Europa League.
Source: x.com/oddschecker
Brendan Rodgers — contender No. 2
Brendan Rodgers is currently at Celtic Glasgow. But a bit of instability at the club’s board could prompt the manager to look elsewhere for his talents. And a possible offer from Forest could be the catalyst.
Sean Dyche — contender No. 3
The 54-year-old specialist needs no introduction: he worked at the Premier League level with Everton and Burnley. His main trump card is that he is currently unemployed. But Dyche has no experience working with clubs that are competing for European cups or even playing in them. Will he be able to adapt to the new demands and new realities? That is the main question.
Current Club Situation and Expectations for the New Nottingham Forest Manager
Forest approach a congested autumn with European fixtures and a deeper squad. The brief for any coach is straightforward: secure mid-table comfort, progress from the league phase in Europe, and keep the dressing room settled as the hierarchy and technical staff refine the roster.
Tips GG Expert Opinions and Predictions
Baseline call: Nuno stays through the window; Forest add a goalkeeper and one full-back, then ride wing depth in Europe. If the seat opens, Postecoglou leads a tight list with Martins close behind. Play it safe and bet responsibly.