Oliver Glasner’s Vision for Nottingham Forest Transfers

New Nottingham Forest coach Oliver Glasner outlines his plans and transfer priorities to restore the club’s competitive edge in the Premier League.

New head coach Oliver Glasner has swiftly introduced his vision at Nottingham Forest’s pre-season training camp, set in the scenic Algarve region of Portugal. As the atmosphere radiates positivity, this contrasts sharply with the previous summer, when unrest pervaded the squad under former coach Nuno Espirito Santo, who expressed dissatisfaction over the club’s transfer pace.

In Glasner’s three weeks since taking the reins, he has made his ambitions clear. The former Crystal Palace manager aims to guide Forest back to their previous heights, aiming for a return to European competition after finishing seventh in the Premier League just two seasons ago.

The training sessions, held under the clear Algarve sky, reflect a newfound focus and dedication among players, combining hard work with a sense of enjoyment. Glasner, known for his hands-on coaching style, has been directly involved with his team at every stage. Defender Zach Abbott remarked, “It is exciting. The way he wants to play is already really clear. We are all really excited about what is to come.” This optimism comes in the wake of friendly victories over Notts County and Blackburn Rovers, as his squad adopts a formation that proved successful at Crystal Palace.

After securing Xaver Schlager on a free transfer from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, Forest is now targeting four additional players before the transfer window closes on September 1. Their priorities include a central defender, a full-back, a midfielder, and a striker.

Current negotiations are underway for centre-back Ousmane Diomande from Sporting CP, with the deal potentially reaching £35 million. Midfielder Lucas Bergvall of Tottenham remains a crucial target, although the two clubs have yet to agree on a fee for the young Swedish international. Additionally, Forest is eyeing Givairo Read from Feyenoord, who could fill the right-back position.

Glasner emphasizes the need for a physically strong forward to match the competitive landscape of recent Premier League seasons. Observing the top goalscorers, he believes having imposing forwards is critical, referencing talents like Erling Haaland and Forest’s own Chris Wood, who is regarded as a significant asset despite concerns about his age and fitness.

Taiwo Awoniyi, though dealing with injury issues, is seen as a valuable squad member, while Igor Jesus showcases potential after strong pre-season performances. Nevertheless, Glasner acknowledges concerns regarding forward depth, aiming to avoid over-reliance on Morgan Gibbs-White, who was instrumental in preserving the team’s league status last season.

Glasner’s approach involves fostering a well-rounded squad complemented by promising academy players and aims for a core group of 20 to 22 outfield athletes. He aims to foster greater intensity and an elevated style of play while managing the pace of change to avoid overwhelming the team.

Notably, the current pre-season preparation bodes well compared to last year, where Forest struggled to find the net. This time, they have already managed to score six goals in three friendly matches, signaling a hopeful transition under Glasner’s leadership.