Breaking News: Nottingham Forest Head Coach Finalizes 2025 Europa League Squad
In a bold and strategic move, Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has officially unveiled his carefully selected squad for the 2025 UEFA Europa League campaign. After months of preparation, transfers, and training ground evaluations, the Portuguese manager has now assembled what he describes as “a squad built not just for survival in Europe, but to make a statement.”
The East Midlands club, returning to continental football for the first time in over three decades, has been building momentum since their remarkable rise back to the Premier League. Now, with a taste of European glory on the horizon, Forest are looking to rekindle the fire that once made them kings of Europe under the legendary Brian Clough.
Key Additions to the Squad
Forest’s summer transfer window was both aggressive and ambitious. The headline signing is, without question, veteran striker Jamie Vardy, who joined from Leicester City in a surprise move earlier this month. At 38, Vardy may be in the twilight of his career, but Nuno believes his experience, passion, and killer instinct will be vital in tight European fixtures.
Joining him are midfield dynamo Youri Tielemans, who arrived on a free transfer after leaving Aston Villa, and Spanish center-back Pau Torres, who was secured on loan from Villarreal to bolster the defense. Forest have also promoted several exciting youth talents, including 18-year-old winger Jaden Richardson Jr., who dazzled during the preseason with pace and composure well beyond his years.
Goalkeeping Confidence
Between the posts, Nuno has placed his trust in American keeper Matt Turner, whose heroics last season earned Forest crucial points. Backed by a solid defensive line led by Torres and Joe Worrall, Turner’s command of the box and shot-stopping ability will be crucial during away nights across Europe.
Tactical Identity and Squad Depth
Speaking to reporters during the squad announcement, Nuno stated:
“We’ve built a group of players that understand the identity of this club—hard work, grit, and unity. Every man called up is ready to fight for the badge.”
Forest will likely operate with a flexible 4-2-3-1 formation, utilizing the creativity of Morgan Gibbs-White in the number 10 role and the speed of Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi on the wings. Up top, Vardy will lead the line, but new Brazilian forward Renan Cruz—signed from Flamengo—could be a breakout star off the bench.
Europa League Ambitions
Placed in a challenging group alongside Bayer Leverkusen, Fenerbahçe, and Rapid Wien, Forest’s path to the knockout rounds won’t be easy. However, fans believe this squad has the blend of experience, youth, and fearless leadership to go far.
Nuno concluded:
“We’re not in this competition just to participate—we’re here to compete, to win, and to bring pride back to Nottingham.”
As the season kicks off, one thing is certain: Nottingham Forest are back on the European stage, and they’re bringing an army ready to write a new chapter in the club’s storied history.