Nottingham Forest new signings: Confirmed ins and outs for Summer 2025

In this article, we will cover all the Nottingham Forest new signings from the summer transfer window, as well as any notable departures from the City Ground.

The Tricky Trees made several transfer deals last summer that helped them to sustain an unlikely chase for a UEFA Champions League (UCL) spot in the Premier League.

While they ultimately fell short in that chase, they are competing in the Europa League this season, albeit in peculiar circumstances after Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked and replaced by Ange Postecoglou.

Did the club buy well in the summer, and can these players help them turn around their early-season woes? Let's take a look.

Nottingham Forest new signings Summer 2025

Omari Hutchinson (Ipswich)

Forest have signed Omari Hutchinson from Ipswich for a reported transfer fee of £37.5m. The England U21 international midfielder has signed a five-year deal at the City Ground.

Hutchinson signing grade: A

Hutchinson is proven Premier League quality and adds much-needed depth to Forest's attacking options ahead of a European campaign.

Dan Ndoye (Bologna)

One of the most expensive signings for Forest this summer, at least so far, is Dan Ndoye from Bologna. The 24-year-old versatile attacker, who can play on the wing or up front as a forward, cost Forest £34m, which is not the most they paid this summer, but also their highest paid fee ever, edging Elliot Anderson's transfer by less than £1m.

Ndoye signing grade: A

With Elanga leaving for Newcastle, Forest needed someone who could have an immediate impact and cover the same position in the team, so Ndoye is the perfect choice in that respect. The Swiss has a proven track record with Bologna, both in Serie A and the UEFA Champions League (UCL), so he will be key piece of Forest's squad next season.

Yes, it was an expensive signing, but since Forest received £55m for Elanga, it made complete sense to pull the trigger on this one.

Dilane Bakwa (Strasbourg)

The U21 French international has been one of the most exciting prospects from Ligue 1 in the past few seasons and it seemed to be time for Bakwa to move on to a bigger team or, in this case, a different league.

The 23-year-old winger wasn't a cheap signing for Nottingham Forest, but given his potential, it should be a good long-term signing.

Bakwa Signing grade: A

As another young player who has plenty of potential to develop at Nottingham Forest, Bakwa is a shrewd signing since he can contribute immediately, but also has long-term value.

Arnaud Kalimuendo (Rennes)

Forest have bolstered their attack further by signing 23-year-old Arnaud Kalimuendo from Ligue 1 side Rennes on a five-year deal for a reported transfer fee of £27m.

Kalimuendo signing grade: A

Kalimuendo is another quality attacking option, who scored an impressive total of 18 goals and made a further four assists in all competitions for Rennes in the 2024/25 campaign.

James McAtee (Manchester City)

Forest have also signed another exciting England U21 international in James McAtee from Manchester City for a reported transfer fee of £30m. The creative midfielder has also signed a five-year deal with the Tricky Trees.

McAtee signing grade: A

McAtee is another Premier League-proven player, and is certainly one who is only going to get better.

Igor Jesus (Botafogo)

Forest have signed Igor Jesus from Botafogo for a reported transfer fee of £10m. The 24-year-old striker has put pen to paper on a four-year deal at the City Ground, having returned from the FIFA Club World Cup (CWC).

Jesus impressed in the tournament, having scored twice, including the winner against PSG in the group stage. The Brazilian also scored on his senior international debut against Chile in 2024, and won the Serie A and Copa Libertadores titles with Botafogo in the 2024/25 campaign.

Jesus signing grade: A

Jesus showed what he can do at the CWC, and he could prove to be a bargain for Forest. The Tricky Trees have already used him in pre-season as a strike partner for Chris Wood, which could potentially be an exciting partnership.

Nicolo Savona (Juventus)

Given that Savona is just 22 years old, the fact that he played in 28 games in Serie A for a team like Juventus last season speaks volumes, and Nottingham Forest will be pleased to get the young defender to the club this summer.

Savona signing grade: A

While Savona will certainly need time to adjust, and he might not get as many opportunities to play in the Premier League this season as he would like, there is little doubt that he has the quality and potential to eventually start for Nottingham Forest. Given the relatively modest transfer fee, Savona sounds like a great signing for the Reds.

Jair Cunha (Botafogo)

Forest's second signing from Botafogo is Jair Cunha, with the central defender also joining for a reported £10m transfer fee. The 20-year-old has signed on a five-year deal at the City Ground.

Cunha signing grade: B

Cunha will already have good chemistry with his now former Botafogo teammate Jesus, while there are a number of other Brazilians at the club, like Murillo, that can help him settle in quickly. He will certainly be used in the first team, and could prove to be a useful squad player for the 2025/26 campaign.

Cherif Yaya (Rio Ave)

Forest have also completed the signing of Cherif Yaya from Rio Ave for an undisclosed fee, as the 18-year-old midfielder will initially join their academy with the hope of breaking into the first team.

Yaya signing grade: C

Given that Yaya will initially be joining the academy and not the first team, he is not expected to make a significant impact, at least straight away. He is certainly a promising player for the future though.

Douglas Luiz (Juventus)

Forest have also completed the signing of Douglas Luiz on a season-long loan from Serie A heavyweights Juventus. The Brazilian central midfield player also has an obligation to buy clause in his deal.

Luiz signing grade: A

To get Luiz initially on loan without paying too much money is quality business, especially considering that he is experienced in the Premier League.

Nottingham Forest confirmed departures Summer 2025

• Anthony Elanga (Newcastle) – £55m
• Danilo (Botafogo) – £20m
• Ramon Sosa (Palmeiras) – £10m
• Andrew Omobamidele (Strasbourg) – £6.8m
• Matt Turner (Lyon) – £7m
• Carlos Miguel (Palmeiras) – £5m
• Lewis O'Brien (Wrexham) – £3m
• Marko Stamenic (Swansea) – £2m
• Dale Taylor (Blackpool) – £1m
• Jack Perkins (Northampton) – Undisclosed
• Ben Perry (Colchester) – Undisclosed
• Jonathan Panzo (Rio Ave) – Free
• Harry Toffolo (Charlotte FC) – Free
• Josh Bowler (Blackpool) – Free
• Emmanuel Dennis – Free
• Tyler Bindon (Sheffield United) – Loan
• Joe Gardner (Mansfield) – Loan
• Josh Powell (Colchester) – Loan
• Omar Richars (Rio Ave) – Loan
• Eric da Silva Moreira (Rio Ave) – Loan
• Alex Moreno (Aston Villa) – End of loan
• Wayne Hennessy – Retired

Nottingham Forest transfer window rating so far: Grade A

Forest's transfer business in terms of incomings has been simply sensational, while Elanga is the only big outgoing from the City Ground.