Nottingham Forest 2026/27 Premier League preview: Glasner on a hiding to nothing at the City Ground

Nottingham Forest went into last season with high hopes of building on a productive 2024/25 campaign. It would be fair to say that things did not go to plan.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis ploughed through four different managers during a season which nearly ended with relegation to the Championship.

Former Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has now been tasked with guiding Forest back up the table. Given what has gone before, he is on a hiding to nothing.

With that in mind, read on as we assess whether Glasner can succeed where others have failed.

Nottingham Forest Premier League fixtures 2026/27

Nottingham Forest summer transfers 2026

IN: Ousmane Diomande (Sporting CP, £34.3m), Xaver Schlager (RB Leipzig, free), Steven Benda (Fulham, undisclosed), Gustavo Sa (Famalicao, undisclosed).

OUT: Elliot Anderson (Manchester City, £116m), Willy Boly (released), Stefan Ortega (released), Angus Gunn (released), Joe Gardner (Falkirk, undisclosed), Taiwo Awoniyi (Coventry City, undisclosed), Gustavo Sa (Olympiacos, loan)

(Information correct on August 20).

Nottingham Forest Premier League season 2026/27 preview

Forest have been relatively quiet in the summer transfer window, which has immediately raised questions about their ambitions for the season.

They have sold Elliot Anderson to Manchester City for £116 million but have failed to reinvest the fee to strengthen their squad.

Centre-back Ousmane Diomande has arrived from Sporting CP for £34.3m, and he should prove to be an excellent addition to the club’s defensive options.

Midfielder Xaver Schlager has impressed during pre-season after arriving on a free transfer, but Forest need more new players if they are to compete for European qualification.

Glasner’s switch to the 3-4-2-1 system he used successfully at Palace should work with Forest, and he is savvy enough to help them steer clear of trouble.

Former Premier League winner Tim Sherwood has tipped Glasner to improve Forest’s fortunes but acknowledges that working under Marinakis is challenging.

“They’ll be alright with Glasner, Forest, I believe,” Sherwood told Sky Sports News. “Because he’s had that experience, the expectation’s not that high, and they’re realistic at the City Ground there.

“I think he’ll get enough results. I think he’s shown that he’s a very, very good coach, but he knows what he’s going into.

“People are saying, ‘why did he go from Palace to go and work with the man at Forest? Now that man at Forest has obviously said the words that he wants to hear.

“I like Marinakis – I’ve talked about him before. I like him as long as you don’t move the goalposts – he sets the criteria, and he sticks to it.

“If he’s moving the goalposts away and he’s changing it as during his reign, then he’s out of order.

“If he doesn’t, then it’s up to Glasner to take that on the chin. I think he’s prepared to take the fight on and I think they might be a success.”

The acquisition of Schlager following his exit from RB Leipzig could ultimately prove to be one of the best signings made in the Premier League this summer.

He previously played under Glasner at Wolfsburg, so is familiar with how he operates. His ability to progress the ball and maintain a high-intensity work rate is his major strength.

His presence in the team should bring out the best in Morgan Gibbs-White, who should flourish in Glasner’s tactical set-up.

Forest still need to strengthen their squad before the transfer window closes, but a mid-table finish should not be beyond them regardless of whether they complete any deals.

Read more: Premier League 2026/27 season preview.