Edu under pressure at Nottingham Forest after £200m backfire

Nottingham Forest’s Global Head of Football Edu is reportedly under “huge pressure” after a turbulent season that has seen managerial upheaval, heavy spending and a slide toward the relegation zone.

According to The Telegraph’s Midlands correspondent John Percy, the Brazilian’s position is now uncertain, with some sources suggesting it is a matter of “when, not if” he departs.

Edu joined Forest’s wider ownership structure after building a strong reputation at Arsenal as first-team technical director. Evangelos Marinakis appointed him to oversee football operations, including recruitment, squad strategy and performance.

Initially, the move was seen as ambitious. Under Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest secured European qualification and momentum appeared to be building.

However, reports of tension between Nuno and Edu emerged, forcing Marinakis to make a choice. The owner sided with Edu, and Nuno departed. Ange Postecoglou and later Sean Dyche followed in quick succession, with both managers since dismissed.

Forest have also invested close to £200m in recent windows, yet remain precariously placed near the bottom of the Premier League table.

Percy’s report claims the appointment that was “supposed to elevate Forest to the next level” has instead “backfired”.

Edu officially began his role in July 2025 after a period of gardening leave following his Arsenal exit.

He was tasked with leading recruitment and long-term strategy, but the latest claims suggest his influence has diminished. Notably, he was reportedly absent from key meetings that resulted in Dyche’s dismissal.

From the past few months of Forest’s campaign, recruitment has come under scrutiny. Several arrivals have struggled to adapt, including Oleksandr Zinchenko, whose loan spell ended prematurely before a move to Ajax.

However, it remains unclear whether all signings can be attributed solely to Edu’s direction or reflect broader structural instability.

Forest’s immediate priority remains Premier League survival. With 12 games left, clarity in leadership could be decisive.

Much will depend on whether Marinakis opts for another structural reset or maintains continuity amid instability. However, sustained poor results could accelerate change.

Is another boardroom shake-up inevitable at the City Ground?