Nottingham Forest Eye Brendan Rodgers as Next Manager Amid Nuno Uncertainty
Nottingham Forest are reportedly preparing a bold managerial move, with Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers identified as the leading candidate to replace Nuno Espirito Santo, whose future at the City Ground looks increasingly uncertain.
According to The Sun, owner Evangelos Marinakis has been tracking Rodgers for months and may act quickly if results don’t improve, especially with Forest competing in both the Premier League and Europa League this season.
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Nuno Espirito Santo’s Rocky Spell at Nottingham Forest
Nuno’s tenure has been a mixed bag. The Portuguese coach, who previously guided Wolves to Premier League stability and European qualification, has struggled to replicate that success with Forest.
Reports suggest his relationship with Marinakis and Global Head of Football, Edu, has deteriorated, with tensions described as “potentially irreparable.” While Nuno is expected to oversee Forest’s upcoming clash with Crystal Palace, speculation continues to grow that Marinakis could act swiftly if performances don’t improve.
Forest’s ambitious European campaign demands consistency, and doubts over Nuno’s ability to deliver could pave the way for a managerial change.
Why Brendan Rodgers Tops the Shortlist
Brendan Rodgers is seen as the standout option to replace Nuno. The Northern Irishman is currently in his second stint at Celtic, where he has delivered four Scottish Premiership titles and three Scottish Cups.
His resume includes:
- 197 wins in 281 games with Celtic
- Premier League experience with Liverpool and Leicester City
- FA Cup triumph with Leicester in 2021
- Strong reputation for developing young talent and attacking football
Rodgers’ contract at Celtic enters its final year, which could make him more accessible financially. Forest’s Europa League status could also tempt him back to England’s top flight, providing the chance to compete in Europe again after his Leicester tenure.
However, Celtic’s Champions League playoff result against Kairat may also influence his decision. If Celtic advance to the group stage, Rodgers might opt to remain in Glasgow.
Nottingham Forest’s Transfer Ambition
This managerial speculation comes amid a busy summer transfer window for Forest. Marinakis has overseen eight signings, including Omari Hutchinson and Dan Ndoye, while nine players have departed—most notably Anthony Elanga.
Forest remain active in the market with ongoing talks for:
- Jose Angel Carmona (Sevilla)
- Victor Kristiansen (Leicester) — a player Rodgers knows well
These moves reflect Marinakis’ determination to strengthen the squad, but stability in the dugout is vital to maximize this investment.
What’s Next for Nottingham Forest?
The situation leaves fans asking key questions:
- Will Nuno survive? A positive result against Crystal Palace may buy him time, but pressure is mounting.
- Can Rodgers be tempted back to the Premier League? Forest’s European football could be a major draw.
- How soon will Marinakis act? His track record suggests he won’t hesitate if he believes change is needed.
Final Take: Rodgers Would Be a Statement Appointment
Targeting Brendan Rodgers is a bold but calculated move. His attacking style, European pedigree, and Premier League experience make him a strong candidate to lead Forest’s next chapter.
While Nuno has steadied the ship since arriving, Forest’s ambitious ownership may demand more flair and results on both domestic and European fronts.
For now, the Rodgers-to-Forest saga remains speculation—but one thing is certain: Nottingham Forest are positioning themselves as a club unwilling to stand still.
