Ryan Yates and Nico Dominguez react to off-field Nottingham Forest appointment
Nottingham Forest’s major new off-field appointment has attracted praise from a number of the club’s stars.
Under Nuno Espirito Santo’s guidance, Forest have qualified for next season’s Europa Conference League following a seventh placed Premier League finish.
Last season was a major improvement on their previous two Premier League campaigns which both saw the club fight against relegation.
Forest were promoted to the top-flight in 2022 for the first time in 23 years and ambitious owner Evangelos Marinakis has not been afraid to spend big to keep them there.
Former Arsenal player appointed by Forest
Taking to social media (7 July), Forest announced the appointment of former Arsenal sporting director Edu, which was liked by players Ryan Yates and Nico Dominguez.
The Brazilian became the Gunners’ first sporting director in 2022 overseeing the club’s recruitment and operations.
Forest have said Edu will become the club’s global head of football, a role which will see him “oversee all football related functions.”
Marinakis said Edu’s “global experience, values and winning mindset align perfectly with our objective to strengthen and expand our international football platform.”
Forest strengthen ahead of crucial summer
Football Insider Verdict
This could be a tough transfer window for Forest, so appointing the experienced Edu looks to be a smart capture by the club.
Edu was credited with bringing Mikel Arteta to Arsenal and transforming their player recruitment to turn them into title challengers following years of underachievement.
Forest were keen to point out his list of achievements in their announcement post to highlight Edu’s winning mentality.
Following on from their most successful seasons in decades, Marinakis is still keen to progress, but the club could lose key player this summer.
Edu will need to get to work immediately to ensure Santo has a squad ready to compete in the Premier League and Europe next season.
Much talk out of the City Ground right now is about departures and Edu may have a crucial role in persuading Anthony Elanga to stay at the club.
| Appearances | 43 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 12 |
Elanga has been the subject of two bids from Newcastle.
Morgan Gibbs-White could also attract suitors and losing those two players would be a massive blow.
The club though have been able to tie down full-back’s Ola Aina and Neco Williams to new contracts.