How Glasner could construct his new Nottingham Forest side
· Jack Patmore; VAVEL com · 2026-08-05 · nguồn gốc
A catastrophic season, which nearly culminated in relegation from the Premier League before Vítor Pereira's vital interventions, saw the Tricky Trees churn through a league-record four permanent managers which underlined their off-field instability.
For a side which prioritised European exploits over league endeavours, their run to the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League was indicative of the quality within their ranks, but their league struggles overshadowed what was an otherwise impressive European campaign.
Pereira's dismissal was a bolt out of the blue after guiding them to safety at the end of last season, but Marinakis is simply not like any other owner and demands the highest possible standards from his managers.
Three trophies in two full seasons at Crystal Palace, including their Conference League triumph, made Glasner's arrival an even greater shock with the likes of AC Milan and Juventus showing interest.
Nonetheless, Nottingham Forest have been touted with moves for several standout names which signals their intent on improving on their 16th-place finish last term, with the German expected to deploy his notorious three at the back set-up.
But with the gaping midfield hole left by Elliot Anderson's big-money switch to Manchester City, how could they shape up when they lock horns with Leeds United in their league curtain-raiser?
GK: Matz Sels
To win a Premier League Golden Glove for a side lingering towards the bottom end of the table is no mean feat and the £5 million Forest paid for Sels two-and-a-half years ago is now evidently a steal.
He started all of their league matches, registering 13 clean sheets which can only be matched by title-winning David Raya, and was a source of stability in an otherwise chaotic campaign. The Belgian shot-stopper will be key to any Forest success this term.
RCB: Nikola Milenkovic
The all-action Serbian defender boasted some of the best numbers in the Premier League last season in terms of aerial dominance and duels won and will be a mainstay at the heart of Glasner's backline.
His tall and imposing frame also makes Milenkovic a huge threat in the opposition's box and he netted on four occasions last term, a formidable presence on the right-hand side of the defence.
CB: Ousmane Diomande
A transfer which appears to be entering its final stages and would be a huge coup at the City Ground, Diomande's addition as the figurehead of the back three would reinforce their lofty ambitions.
Starring for Sporting CP and establishing himself as one of Europe's most promising defenders last term, the Ivorian international flourishes playing out from the back and his explosive pace allows him to marshal rapid forwards while leading attacks from the back. A perfect signing for Glasner's system.
LCB: Murillo
A 24-year-old Brazilian centre-back who has performed admirably for the Tricky Trees, Murillo's all-round package of being aggressive and effective in the tackle and carrying the ball out from defence has firmly made him a fan favourite.
Adding to the fact he is a rare breed of centre-backs by being left-footed, Forest need to keep hold of their emerging Brazilian superstar at all costs, with his clearances and defensive recoveries just two key metrics he ranks highly on.
RWB: Givairo Read
Ola Aina's persistent hamstring struggles led to Forest being repeatedly exposed on the right flank and a new face is a priority prior to the window closing: Feyenoord's Read perfectly fits the bill.
At the age of 20, the Dutch prodigy's ability to get up and down the right-hand side while also shining in one-vs-one situations is the ideal blend for Glasner's wing-backs, as shown by Daniel Munoz, who requires them to be dynamic offensively and defensively.
Forest face stiff competition from AS Roma for his signature, with a fee of just over £25 million reportedly being the valuation.
CM: Tijjani Reijnders
An ambitious yet attainable move, the rumoured arrival of Manchester City's Reijnders would seriously elevate Forest's midfield.
He offers dynamism in the middle of the park and an attacking threat from deep, something which has been missing from Ibrahim Sangare's repertoire.
Despite a promising start to his career at the Etihad Stadium, the ex-PSV Eindhoven midfielder soon fell behind City's wealth of midfield options, so a starring role in the East Midlands could be an exciting allure. However, in this inflated market, he will be far from cheap.
CM: Xaver Schlager
Forest gravitating away from a scatter-gun transfer approach this summer is certainly for the better and the free transfer of Schlager is the physical profile Forest need to soften the blow of Anderson's departure.
Having previously worked with Glasner during his time at Wolfsburg, the ex-RB Leipzig midfielder was primarily deployed in a deeper position where he shone distributing play. With a more progressive pair alongside Reijnders, the key could be unlocked to a very progressive midfield engine room.
LWB: Neco Williams
The starting defenders in an overall below-par Forest campaign were standouts and Williams was no exception.
Mr Dependable, who left his injury woes behind him by missing just one league match, should thrive with more agency to go forward and will be looking to improve on his five goal contributions which he accrued. Forest are desperate to tie him down to a new long-term deal, with divisional rivals circling this summer.
CAM: Morgan Gibbs-White
Batting away heavy interest from Tottenham Hotspur last summer by penning a bumper new deal, Gibbs-White was one of several surprise omissions from England's FIFA World Cup squad after his best Premier League return of 15 goals and four assists.
Such numbers are a testament to the quality of player Forest have on their hands, with their talismanic captain being the orchestrator of their forward play. He offers way more than that though, with his off-the-ball running and relentless pressing making him a player any Premier League boss would want in their side.
ST: Liam Delap
The Tricky Trees require attacking reinforcements, with their heavy reliance on injury-hit Chris Wood and a general lack of clinical finishing, seeing them linked with a move for Chelsea's Delap who could be a shrewd buy.
His 12 goals in a relegated Ipswich Town side in the 2023/24 season led to Chelsea coming calling but he struggled for minutes at Stamford Bridge last season and is up for sale. Whether Glasner opts for two-up-top or touchline wingers which he utilised at Palace, Delap would be available for a cut-price fee and, with confidence restored, could be a real handful.
ST: Igor Jesus
The Brazilian striker took time to get up and running last season but played an influential role in the run-in to retain their Premier League status with three goals.
Having signed from Botafogo last summer, Jesus has now adapted to his new surroundings and is settled in top-flight football, meaning he can be the focal point of Forest's frontline.