Nuno Espirito Santo is set to leave his role as Nottingham Forest head coach after nearly two years in charge of the Midlands club.
Sky Sports and David Ornstein of The Athletic are reporting that the Portuguese manager has been relieved of his duties as Forest boss, despite wishing to remain at the City Ground.
Speculation about his possible dismissal has dogged Forest’s early season, with tensions between Nuno and club owner Evangelos Marinakis becoming public.
The 51-year-old former Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur manager took over the club in December 2023 amid a relegation battle. He managed to turn the club’s fortunes around, guiding the two-time Champions League winners back into European football after a 30-year absence with a seventh-place finish in 2024/25.
Nuno had also only recently signed a contract extension with Nottingham Forest until June 2025, just three months before his dismissal.
Forest now face the task of appointing a new manager ahead of their first game back after the international break, away at Arsenal on 13th September.
Whoever succeeds Nuno Espirito Santo will have significant shoes to fill, considering their recent strong league form, and will also need to prepare the Tricky Trees for their first Europa League fixture against Real Betis on 24th September.
Who might replace Nuno at Nottingham Forest?
Interest in the role is high, with various candidates lining up to submit their CVs.
Ange Postecoglou appears among the frontrunners to take over at Forest. The Australian gained considerable praise during his time in charge of Tottenham Hotspur but was sacked after leading the London club to victory in the 2024/25 Europa League final.
Some Spurs supporters were pleased to see Ange dismissed, even after the club secured its first trophy since 2008, but his high-intensity style could soon return to the Premier League.
Forest supporters might also be confident going into the Europa League this season under the guidance of the current reigning champion.
Even legendary manager Jose Mourinho could be on the shortlist, having been sacked by Turkish side Fernebache for their poor performance in European qualifying.
Former Forest player Sean Dyche could also be interested in the vacant position at the City Ground. The ex-Everton boss has been out of work since his sacking from the Merseyside club in January 2025.
Dyche never made an appearance for Forest but was a youth player under the legendary Brian Clough and might be eager to step into the big shoes left behind.
Evangelos Marinakis may even consider appointing his other club’s manager, Olympiacos’ José Luis Mendilibar. The Spaniard has been at the Greek club since 2024 and led them to victory in the 2023/24 UEFA Europa Conference League. He’s also won the Europa League with Sevilla, making him a reliable candidate to steer Forest through the season.