Nuno Espirito Santo Signs New Deal to Stay at Nottingham Forest Until 2028 | OneFootball

Nuno Commits to Forest Future With Fresh Three-Year Deal

Nottingham Forest have made their intentions clear. The club’s ambitious owner, Evangelos Marinakis, has rewarded manager Nuno Espirito Santo with a new three-year contract. As confirmed by Sky Sports, “Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has signed a new three-year contract to remain at the City Ground until at least 2028.”

It’s a signal of trust, stability and forward planning from a club that not long ago flirted with the trapdoor of relegation. Under Nuno, Forest have not just stabilised, they’ve flourished.

European Return Sparks New Ambition

Last season marked a watershed moment. Forest finished seventh in the Premier League, securing a place in Europe for the first time since the 1995-96 campaign. Nuno’s impact since taking the reins has been transformational, overseeing a tactical evolution that brought steel and shape to a side often accused of being too open.

Photo: IMAGO

It could have been even more dramatic. For a large part of the season, Champions League football was within touching distance. Forest’s form dipped late, five defeats in their final eight league matches scuppered that dream, but the foundations had already been laid.

Marinakis Backs the Vision

For Marinakis, the decision to extend Nuno’s stay was an easy one. The semi-final FA Cup run, ended only by Manchester City, and a record league finish over the last 30 years were concrete proof of progress.

Nuno himself acknowledged the strength of that partnership, saying: “I would like to thank our owner, Mr Marinakis, for his constant support and backing.”

It’s a rare alignment, owner, manager and fans all rowing in the same direction. Forest have had turbulent years, cycling through managers and systems with reckless abandon. Nuno has steadied that ship, and more than that, he’s built something with substance.

Photo: IMAGO

Hard Work Ahead as Forest Set Loftier Targets

The journey isn’t complete, far from it. Nuno knows that sustaining this level will be harder the second time around. With European fixtures on the horizon and rivals reinforcing, Forest’s squad depth and mental resilience will be tested.

As Nuno put it: “Now is the time to work harder than ever as we strive for more special memories together.”

His language is reflective of someone who understands the size of the task. But there’s also optimism, belief and, crucially, unity — not just in the dressing room but in the stands and boardroom too.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Forest fans, this is as close to perfect news as one could hope for in June. Nuno Espirito Santo has brought direction and pride back to the club, and this extension validates the gut feeling many supporters have had: he’s the right man to lead this era.

The scenes at the City Ground last season, from beating Liverpool to storming into the top seven, were emotionally charged. But the fact the club didn’t fold after that late-season dip shows character and long-term planning.

Many fans remember the constant churn—Karanka, Lamouchi, Hughton, Cooper—and the uncertainty that came with each managerial change. Nuno represents stability and style. The football is disciplined but never dour, and it reflects the grit that Forest fans respect.

The European adventure will be a test, no doubt. But there’s trust now. Trust in the manager, trust in the process. And if Marinakis continues to back him in the market, maybe a centre-forward and full-back depth, then Forest have every chance of becoming a regular top-half side with European credentials.