Evangelos Marinakis’ Transfer Plan Set Out as Nottingham Forest Could ‘Blow Teams Out of the Water’
*May 23, 2025 – Nottingham, UK*
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is reportedly preparing a bold and aggressive transfer strategy for the summer window, signaling his intent to transform the club into a top-half Premier League force and potentially disrupt the established order. After a season of survival and flashes of promise, Forest are looking to take a major step forward — and Marinakis appears ready to open the war chest.
According to sources close to the club, the Greek shipping magnate has authorized a spending plan that could see Forest “blow teams out of the water” in their pursuit of top-tier talent. With Premier League revenue secured for another season and an ambitious long-term vision for the club, the mood around the City Ground has shifted from cautious optimism to bold ambition.
**A Clear Statement of Intent**
Forest narrowly avoided relegation last season, finishing 15th in the table. However, the club showed signs of steady growth under manager Nuno Espírito Santo, and there is belief within the boardroom that a few key additions could catapult the team into the top 10. Marinakis, who has owned the club since 2017, is determined to accelerate Forest’s progress by investing in elite players with experience at the highest level.
“This summer will be different,” said a club insider. “Evangelos wants to make a statement. The club has identified areas that need improvement, and the plan is to act early and decisively. If the right targets become available, Forest will be ready to outbid mid-table rivals and challenge some of the bigger clubs financially.”
**Targets and Priorities**
Forest are understood to be targeting reinforcements in central midfield, a clinical forward to partner or rotate with Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi, and an experienced center-back to shore up the backline. Among the rumored targets are several Champions League-experienced players who are reportedly open to a move to the Premier League — and impressed by Forest’s long-term vision.
While names remain closely guarded, Forest have been linked with a move for Lyon midfielder Maxence Caqueret, Belgian striker Loïs Openda from RB Leipzig, and Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo, who is available on a free transfer this summer. In addition, Marinakis has instructed the club’s recruitment department to explore opportunities in Portugal and Greece, where his connections with Olympiacos could help identify hidden gems or secure strategic loans.
**Financial Muscle with Caution**
Marinakis’ ambition is clear, but the club has also emphasized its intention to operate within the boundaries of Financial Fair Play (FFP). Forest spent over £150 million during their return to the Premier League in 2022 but learned hard lessons about squad balance and wage structures. This summer’s plan, while aggressive, is expected to be more calculated.
Sporting director Ross Wilson, hired in 2023, will be instrumental in managing this balance — ensuring that any big-money moves are sustainable and aligned with the club’s playing philosophy. Forest are expected to offload several fringe players, including Jonjo Shelvey, Harry Arter, and Emmanuel Dennis, to make room for higher-quality additions.
**Fans Dare to Dream**
Supporters have reacted with excitement to reports of Marinakis’ plans, with many hopeful that this summer could mark a turning point. After years of instability and near-misses, Forest fans are beginning to believe that their club is on the cusp of a genuine resurgence.
“I love the sound of it,” said lifelong Forest supporter Rachel Tomlinson. “It’s been a rollercoaster few years, but we’re back in the Premier League and holding our own. If Marinakis is ready to push on and back the manager, then let’s go for it. Why not us?”
Forest’s recent performances at the City Ground have also helped restore the fortress mentality that defined the club’s glory days, and there is growing belief that a strong transfer window could see Forest challenge for a European place.
**The Bigger Picture**
Beyond transfers, Marinakis continues to invest in infrastructure, with plans to expand the City Ground’s capacity and improve training facilities. His goal is to build a modern, self-sustaining Premier League club with roots in its historic past but eyes firmly on the future.
Speaking last year, Marinakis reaffirmed his dedication to the club: “Nottingham Forest is a club with great history and potential. We are building something that will last — something that fans can be proud of. This is only the beginning.”
With a summer of big moves looming, that future could arrive sooner than many expected. As the transfer window opens, one thing is clear: Nottingham Forest are no longer content just to survive — they’re ready to compete.
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