Nottingham Forest’s recruitment links have unexpectedly surfaced in Portugal’s football politics, with the club’s head of scouting Pedro Ferreira named as part of a proposed structure in Benfica’s upcoming presidential elections.
According to A Bola, candidate João Noronha Lopes intends to appoint Tomás Amaral as sporting director if elected. Amaral, who spent five years at Benfica’s scouting department before gaining further experience at Spartak Moscow, Valladolid, Eibar and Granada, is seen as a trusted operator with strong European credentials.
Amaral’s appointment would be significant in England too. He previously worked alongside Ferreira during his time at Benfica, and Noronha Lopes is reportedly keen to reunite the pair. Ferreira, who has helped shape Nottingham Forest’s recruitment in recent years, is listed in the candidate’s project as the proposed director general. Former Portugal striker Nuno Gomes is also lined up to take on the role of vice-president for football.
The election, which will see Noronha Lopes compete against João Diogo Manteigas, Martim Mayer, Cristóvão Carvalho, Rui Costa and Luís Filipe Vieira, could therefore have ripple effects beyond Lisbon. With several Benfica alumni now embedded in English football clubs, these developments reinforce the growing links between Portuguese scouting networks and the Premier League.
Nottingham Forest official linked to Benfica election project
Noronha Lopes’ plans underline the importance of building trusted backroom teams.
“Tomás Amaral will be our sporting director if we win, and we want Pedro Ferreira as part of the structure,” reported A Bola on the candidate’s vision.
For Forest fans, the intrigue lies in how Ferreira’s profile is being recognised abroad. While no move is imminent, the possibility of a presidential win in Lisbon could create conversations around his future.
Tomás Amaral career snapshot
| Club/Organisation | Role |
|---|---|
| Benfica | Scouting Department (5 years) |
| Spartak Moscow | Recruitment |
| Valladolid | Scouting |
| Eibar | Scouting |
| Granada | Scouting |
| Braga/Farense/Belenenses | Youth & Academy roles |
source: A Bola – 15 September 2025
His résumé explains why Noronha Lopes has entrusted him with such responsibility. Amaral has been exposed to diverse footballing cultures and networks, blending Portuguese roots with broader European experience.
Analyst verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes this is another sign of Portuguese influence spreading through elite football:
“Benfica’s presidential elections are always about power and identity, but the presence of figures like Amaral and Ferreira shows how interconnected football recruitment has become. If Ferreira were ever to return to Lisbon, Forest would lose a key link in their scouting structure. At the very least, it demonstrates how highly regarded English-based Portuguese operators are across Europe.”
William also warned that the speculation could create uncertainty at Forest: “Even if Ferreira stays put, being named in a rival’s project puts him in the spotlight. Forest fans should be watching closely.”
Key insights
- Benfica presidential candidate Noronha Lopes wants Tomás Amaral as sporting director.
- Nottingham Forest’s head of scouting Pedro Ferreira is also named in the project.
- Amaral and Ferreira previously worked together at Benfica.
- Former Portugal striker Nuno Gomes lined up as vice-president for football.
- The election could indirectly impact Forest’s recruitment structure.
What’s next for Benfica and Nottingham Forest
Benfica’s election campaign will intensify over the coming weeks, with candidates expected to outline detailed sporting visions. Noronha Lopes’ focus on reuniting Amaral and Ferreira highlights the importance of trusted networks in modern football governance.
For Forest, this connection underscores the club’s integration into wider European recruitment circles. While Ferreira remains central to their scouting strategy, developments in Lisbon may prompt questions about his long-term future.
👉 Could Benfica’s presidential race eventually reshape Nottingham Forest’s recruitment team?
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