It’s been quite a journey for Nottingham Forest this season. From staring down the barrel of relegation to on the brink of qualifying for European football, the transformation under Nuno Espírito Santo has been nothing short of remarkable. But as we approach the business end of the 2024–25 campaign, clouds of uncertainty are starting to gather around the Portuguese manager’s future at the City Ground.
When Nuno took the reins back in December 2023, Forest were in a rut. The club was spiraling dangerously close to the relegation zone, and confidence was at an all-time low. Fast-forward to 2025, and the picture couldn’t be more different.
Forest currently sit seventh in the Premier League table, and are likely to play European football next season. That in itself is a massive statement. Chris Wood has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest, banging in 20 goals this season, while Matz Sels has been a rock between the sticks, keeping 13 clean sheets and earning plaudits from fans and pundits alike. The eye-catching defensive partnership of Murillo and Milenkovic at the back, and Morgan Gibbs White the creative hub of the side with Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi on the wings, makes them a very exciting team to watch.
And yet, despite all of that progress, a big question comes to mind: will Nuno still be at the helm come next season?
Reports have started to surface hinting at internal friction behind the scenes. Foot Mercato dropped a bombshell this week, stating Nuno Espírito Santo could leave Nottingham Forest at the end of the season! There is tension between Evangelos Marinakis, the owner of the club, and Nuno Espirito Santo.
That statement has understandably set alarm bells ringing.
It’s no secret that Nuno is a passionate and strong-willed character. The same can be said for Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis. And when two strong personalities butt heads, friction is almost inevitable.
There have been murmurs all season about moments of tension between the pair. An incident occurred during a recent game when Marinakis was visibly unhappy with one of Nuno’s substitution decisions. It’s also reported that he was frustrated with Nuno when Nottingham Forest drew with relegated Leicester City, which further dented their hopes of a Champions League finish, despite sitting in the top 3 most of the season. Moments like that, played out in public, hint at a deeper disconnect.
On top of that, Marinakis is said to have been frustrated with how striker Taiwo Awoniyi’s injury was handled; he even launched an internal investigation into the medical staff’s decisions. That level of scrutiny, especially during such a successful season, suggests that the relationship between manager and owner might be more complicated than fans realise.
Of course, the club has dismissed talk of a rift. Forest insiders have tried to play it cool, insisting all is well behind closed doors. But actions often speak louder than words.
As all of this drama brews, another twist has entered the storyline, this one from Italy. According to The Sun, Serie A giants AS Roma are eyeing Nuno as a potential successor to Claudio Ranieri. The club is reportedly offering him a two-year deal with a healthy budget and the opportunity to build something new in one of Europe’s most prestigious leagues. Jürgen Klopp was also linked with the Roma job, but his agent has later denied any contact with the Italian club.
The timing couldn’t be more intriguing. Nuno’s contract at Nottingham Forest is set to enter its final year this June. While Forest is believed to be working on a new deal to keep him at the club, the existing tension with Marinakis could make him think twice.
Let’s break down the likely outcomes as the season draws to a close:
There’s no denying Nuno’s impact on this team. If the relationship with Marinakis can be mended and both parties find common ground, there’s every reason to believe he could stay and continue this project. No one better to lead Nottingham Forest back to Europe than the very man who helped them qualify.
The idea of managing in Rome might appeal to Nuno, especially if the situation at Forest feels unstable. Roma are no strangers to European competition, and with the promise of financial backing, it’s a tempting offer.
Let’s not forget, Nuno’s stock is high again. He’s shown he can still work wonders in the Premier League, and that will have surely caught the attention of clubs both in England and abroad.
For now, Nuno’s focus remains firmly on the pitch. Forest’s final game of the season is a big one, against Chelsea, and could determine whether they qualify for the Champions League or the Europa League, or stay seventh and go into the Conference League, which is most likely done regardless of what happens. That would be a huge achievement, and a fitting way to cap off a rollercoaster season.
But after that, expect conversations to start heating up. Will he sign on for more? Will he walk away while his stock is sky-high? Or will Forest’s hierarchy decide it’s time for a fresh start?
Whatever happens next, one thing is clear: Nuno Espírito Santo has made people believe again at the City Ground. And if this is the end of the road, he’ll leave behind a legacy of revival and a club with a much brighter future than the one he inherited.
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