Nottinghamshire

Ellie Molloson
Fan writer

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This summer's transfer window was the most important for Nottingham Forest since promotion in 2022. After a surprising season, there were concerns that the club might suffer from their success, with key players being scouted for potentially lucrative moves.

However, Forest's strategy was a masterclass in retention and strategic reinforcement, with the only significant departure being that of Anthony Elanga for a club-record £55 million.

The most impressive feat was fending off the so-called 'big six' clubs and extending the contracts of stars such as Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ola Aina and Morgan Gibbs-White (sorry Tottenham).

With European football on the horizon for the first time in 29 years, squad depth is essential and in total, Evangelos Marinakis brought in 13 new players.

For me, the star of this window is the unbelievable season-long loan of Oleksandr Zinchenko from Arsenal, who brings the type of European experience that will be crucial for our young team.

Bringing in him and midfielder Douglas Luiz are a clear statement of intent from Forest to remain in European contention and challenge towards the top of the Premier League.

Overall, it was a very successful transfer window. The clever business and player retention, paired with attractive big-name additions, illustrate we are a club that intends to compete and one that players should dream of playing for.

Rating: 9/10.

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Nottingham Forest are set to sign England Under-17s midfielder Chinaza Nwosu from West Ham, after seeing off competition from other top clubs. (Fabrizio Romano), external

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Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

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After Nuno Espirito Santo's fears and complaints, he should have the tools needed to succeed at Nottingham Forest.

There is no doubt the head coach has been backed by owner Evangelos Marinakis after a near £180m spend this summer.

The pair are meeting during the international break to iron out any differences following Nuno's revelation their relationship had changed this summer, but the evidence in Marinakis' investment is there.

Nuno would have preferred signings in earlier, allowing them time to integrate into the squad and adapt to his methods.

That was the root cause of his outburst and he may require time, but he has been given a squad which is strong enough to compete in four competitions, he must now get the best out of them.

Omari Hutchinson joined for a club record fee of £37.5m. Elsewhere, £30m was spent on James McAtee, a long-term target, along with £26m on striker Arnaud Kalimuendo and over £30m on winger Dilane Bakwa on deadline day.

Four signings from Brazilian side Botafogo - including £10m striker Igor Jesus - added to the depth.

It will be needed as Forest start their Europa League campaign at Real Betis on 25 September, while they will also go to Swansea in the Carabao Cup and have Premier League games against Arsenal, Burnley and Sunderland before the end of the month.

There may still be a departure or two to streamline the squad. The Saudi Pro League, Greece and Turkey windows remain open, leaving those who did not move - Jota Silva and Taiwo Awoniyi - possible routes away.

Ultimately, the last few week of the window brought drama around transfers but Nuno must now ensure his love story with Forest continues.

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We asked for your views on Forest's business this transfer window.

Here are some of your comments:

Sean: It looks like a window of good business in getting in some good players and providing the team with some much needed depth and quality. Whilst I'm not exactly excited by the Zinchenko signing, it makes sense as he has both experience at the top end of the league and in European competition. They'll all need some game time to learn and gel together which, fortunately, we have plenty coming up. Looking forward to it.

Nathan: I love the ambition and spending over £200m would be unthinkable four years ago. That said some of the recruitment feels a little haphazard and reminiscent of when we first got promoted when it was about numbers rather than quality. I hope these signings all work out but it feels inevitable some won't.

Chris: They are capable of competing in all competitions providing Nuno rotates the players at his disposal. There should be no favourites.

Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of 23-year-old Strasbourg winger Dilane Bakwa for more than £30m and also announced a season-long loan move for Arsenal's Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Former France Under-21 international Bakwa played 71 times for the Ligue 1 club, scoring 12 goals and providing 21 assists and said he was delighted to join the Reds.

"I am so happy to have signed for this legendary club," Bakwa said. "I am grateful the club and the owner have given me this opportunity. The ambitions of everyone here motivates me and I didn't hesitate once I heard there was interest.

"I will give my all for this club every time I am on the pitch. I can't wait to get started."

Meanwhile, Ukraine international Zinchenko won four Premier League titles, four Carabao Cups and the FA Cup during his time with Manchester City before moving to north London in the summer of 2022.

Zinchenko has been out of favour at Arsenal since the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly and the signing of Riccardo Calafiori who can both play in his favoured left-back role.

What do you make of the late business?

Are Forest equipped to fight on four fronts this season?

Tell us here

Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of defender Cuiabano from Botafogo.

The 22-year-old left-back has signed on a four-year deal and becomes the club's fourth summer signing from the Brazilian side, following the arrivals of John Victor, Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha.

Cuiabano featured in all four of Botafogo's Club World Cup matches in the summer and has played 60 times in all competitions since his move from Gremio in 2024.

Forest's chief football officer Ross Wilson said: "This summer has been about ensuring we have quality and depth in every position, while also identifying talented young players from across the world who can play a crucial role in our long-term development as a club.

"Tracked by a lot of clubs, Cuiabano is an exciting player with a lot of potential. At just 22 years old, he has already gained significant experience for a player of his age and we are excited for what his future holds."