Nuno Espirito Santo has a big job on his hands to see out the Champions League chase, but looking further, the summer transfer window is already set to be hugely significant.
Forest’s PSR position has improved this season after riding out the damage of the four-point PSR punishment for a breach of the rules in 2024.
Because of this, Evangelos Marinakis has room to flex his financial muscles in the summer, with Forest’s interest in Jarell Quansah showing a level of ambition that will delight Reds fans.
With the discrepancy in prize money between UEFA competitions, Forest’s Champions League fate will impact the budget, but perhaps not as significantly as first feared.
Champions League fate won’t stop Nottingham Forest spending
In this season’s two transfer windows, Forest had a £16m net spend, which is particularly impressive when considering the impact that the summer business had on Espirito Santo’s squad.
Elliot Anderson and Nikola Milenkovic have been particular hits, but they could be set to be joined by further additions according to a Sky Sports report.
The article said: “Let’s be clear – Forest will spend serious money, whatever happens. Their PSR concerns of two seasons ago have abated. But there are already two differing strategies ready to be activated – one with Champions League funds, one without.”
Naturally, Forest fans will be hoping that it’s the Champions League budget that is tapped into, but if not, it’s a positive to hear that the Forest owner still has plans for investment to keep the club near the top of the Premier League table, rather than seeing the progress of this season fall away.
These plans seem fairly serious, too, given the figures involved in some of the deals that Forest are most heavily linked with already.
Forest’s transfer links suggest over £100m summer splurge
Beyond Quansah, who is reportedly expected to be available for £30 million, Forest have been linked with plenty of options further up the pitch that would create a hefty bill for Marinakis.
Forest-linked Bryan Mbeumo would cost £50m to prise away from Brentford, who could pocket a colossal amount from Forest as Yoane Wissa has a £40m price tag should the Reds revisit their interest from January.
Another who has been heavily rumoured to come to Forest is Douglas Luiz, who would at least eventually cost Marinakis a fee, as Juventus will demand an obligation to buy in any Luiz deal.
Overall, then, Forest are likely to smash past the transfer spend of last season, regardless of Champions League qualification, as Espirito Santo is set for important upgrades to his squad.
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