Jorge Mendes and Kia Joorabchian power struggle erupts over ongoing Nottingham Forest situation
Nuno Espirito Santo could be claiming damages against Nottingham Forest over his sacking earlier in the season.
That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, amid the ongoing legal dispute between Nuno and Nottingham Forest.
Nuno was sacked by Nottingham Forest in September 2025 after 21 months in charge at the City Ground, leading the club to European qualification last season.
Amid the legal battle against Nottingham Forest, Nuno could play a part in sending the Tricky Trees down to the Championship this season in his position as West Ham boss.
💰 Nottingham Forest Finance Update 💰
Inside the transfer budget, player wages, Evangelos Marinakis’ investment, and PSR developments at the City Ground.
VISIT THE FOREST FINANCE HUBNuno Espirito Santo ‘standing up against Evangelos Marinakis’
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – thinks things could turn “nasty” between Nuno and Nottingham Forest.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness believes there will be “points to prove” from both sides in the case.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Well, the details haven’t been released, but it’s got to be pretty nasty.
“This isn’t just about compensation for payments. I believe that there could well be claims for damages about things that have been said or the way that decisions were taken. I think Nuno is going to stand up against Marinakis.
“Now, you’ve got to also think of the subplot here, that Nuno basically had Jorge Mendes as his agent, who’s a very powerful agent. And now we’ve got our friend Kia Joorabchian coming in is probably the favored agent at Nottingham Forest right now.
“There’s a lot behind it. There’s a bit of a power struggle of agents, and I’m sure that Mendes will be backing, you know, Nuno legally and with the best, you know, attacking lawyers and there’ll be points to prove and fights to be had there, and it will get nasty. I’m pretty sure.”
Nottingham Forest chief set to be sacked
Wyness told Football Insider that Evangelos Marinakis will sack global head of football Edu Gaspar amid the club’s poor season on the pitch.
Edu’s position has been under scrutiny, and the former Arsenal sporting director was also believed to have fallen out with Nuno at the beginning of the season, which led to his sacking.
It is reported that Edu could now join Brazilian club Flamengo as their head of football to replace Jose Boto.
Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Nottingham Forest Insider Access
Get the full story from the City Ground and the Forest Training Centre with our dedicated expert hubs:
Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the banks of the River Trent.