Nottingham Forest is poised to significantly reshape its squad following the record-breaking sale of Elliot Anderson to Manchester City for £116 million. The transfer, the largest in the club's history, provides substantial funds for reinvestment and aims to strengthen the team for the upcoming domestic season, with a focus on acquiring new midfielders and a striker.

Midfield Targets and Player Retention

The club is reportedly targeting three Premier League midfielders. Brighton's Jack Hinshelwood, a long-term target, remains under consideration despite signing a new contract. Liverpool's Curtis Jones is also on Forest's radar; Liverpool is understood to be open to offers for the 25-year-old, with an initial £21 million bid from Inter Milan reportedly rejected, and Liverpool seeking at least £35 million. Another potential midfield acquisition is Tottenham's Lucas Bergvall, who is reportedly seeking first-team opportunities. The 20-year-old Swede has seen limited action at Spurs since his arrival two years ago. Lucas Bergvall is also on their radar after falling out of favour at Tottenham Hotspur

Forest is also keen to retain its key players, including attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White and full-back Neco Williams. Gibbs-White, who had a standout season with 18 goals and seven assists, is considered central to the club's plans, especially with Anderson's departure. Despite interest from rivals, Forest is confident he will remain, particularly after he signed a new three-year deal last summer. Williams, who also signed a new contract, had another strong campaign and is admired across the league. While the club would face a challenge replacing him, they are determined to keep the versatile Wales international. Defender Murillo has also committed his future to the club, signing a four-year contract last month despite previous interest from Manchester United and Chelsea. Morgan Gibbs-White and Neco Williams both starred last season and Forest will try their hardest to keep them

Strengthening Other Positions and Financial Considerations

With Chris Wood now 34 and Igor Jesus not viewed as a traditional No. 9, Forest prioritizes signing a new striker. While Taiwo Awoniyi and Arnaud Kalimuendo are on the roster, the club is actively searching for additional goal-scoring options. Jesus, who adapted well to English football last season with 16 goals, is seen by coach Vitor Pereira as more effective in a supporting role. Forest need more firepower up front with Chris Wood now 34 and having had an injury-hit season The right-back position is another area Forest is exploring, seeking a strong alternative to Ola Aina, who has been hampered by injuries. Nicolo Savona is reportedly available for transfer. Several players signed last summer, including Dilane Bakwa and Dan Ndoye, could depart if offers are received, although coach Pereira is an admirer of James McAtee. Offers may also be considered for backup center-back Morato. Dan Ndoye, who is currently at the World Cup with Switzerland, could leave this summer after failing to make a significant impact in his first season at Forest

Nottingham Forest is understood to be in a strong financial position regarding Premier League accounting rules for the 2025-26 period, even before the Anderson sale. If the transfer is officially logged in July, it would fall into the 2026-27 cycle, potentially providing greater financial flexibility. However, the club may face scrutiny from UEFA regarding its Squad Cost Ratio from the previous season. Despite these considerations, the club aims to build a squad that avoids another relegation battle and ensures stability after a season with four managerial changes. Elliot Anderson will become the most expensive English player of all time when he completes his £116m move to Manchester City