The Nottingham Post delivers our verdict on Nottingham Forest’s summer window transfer business
09:08, 02 Aug 2026
Nottingham Forest midfielder Xaver Schlager and ex-Red Elliot Anderson
Nottingham Forest know the importance of getting their transfer business right this summer.
The Reds started the window with a good squad already in place and no need for a mass overhaul. But with a return to European football the target under new head coach Oliver Glasner, a little bit of tweaking could make a significant difference.
Quality over quantity is the aim for Forest when it comes to new signings ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. They want to make sure Glasner has sufficient resources to push up the Premier League table and avoid another relegation scrap, but that must be balanced against the size of the dressing room.
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Without the demands of Europe this time around, the Reds do not need big numbers. They want to have strength in depth without having players left kicking their heels.
As with every club, Forest haven’t always got it right in the transfer market. After all, there is never any guarantee a new addition will work out.
Clubs have until 11pm on September 1 to oversee their remaining ins and outs before the window slams shut. With the countdown to the cut-off on, the Nottingham Post delivers our verdict on the club’s transfer business so far.
Incomings
Xaver Schlager: As a free agent, the midfielder is a no-risk addition. But he has the potential to be a terrific bit of business by Forest. It helps that he knows Glasner from their time together at Wolfsburg so can comfortably fit in with the Austrian’s style of play – even if English football is a new challenge for him. A natural leader and with plenty of experience under his belt, he will make a difference off the pitch as much as on it. In terms of the latter, he has described his own role as being to help his teammates “feel free”. Rating: 8/10
Outgoings
Elliot Anderson: No club wants to lose their best players. The midfielder was outstanding during his couple of years Trentside, developing into an England regular as well as one of the first names on the Forest teamsheet. It said everything about his character that he continued to play and give his all while grieving the loss of his mother. He is a tough act to follow. But banking £116 million for him was an excellent deal; a masterclass of negotiating by owner Evangelos Marinakis. That cash can help the Reds become collectively stronger. Rating: 9/10
David Carmo: Forest have not publicly announced the defender’s departure to fellow Marinakis-owned club Olympiacos, but their counterparts have confirmed his arrival. It is a third spell with the Greek giants for the centre-back and he has enjoyed success there previously. The same cannot be said of his time at the City Ground, given the absence of any appearances in the Garibaldi. He cost a reported £10m from Porto two years ago – not exactly value for money. Rating: 6/10
Jota Silva: It was always likely the winger, who joined Forest for an initial £6m in 2024, would be on the move again. His enthusiasm and commitment can never be questioned but the Reds are well stocked in the wide areas. A deadline day switch to Sporting Lisbon collapsed 12 months ago, then Besiktas decided not to take up their purchase option following the Portuguese’s loan stint last season. Jota now finds himself on loan at Olympiacos. As with Besiktas, the Greek outfit hold an option to sign him permanently. Rating: 6/10
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