Even though Nottingham Forest have been a controversial club in recent years, few supporters would have anticipated four managers would be employed during the 2025/26 season.

Nuno Espírito Santo, Ange Postecoglou, Sean Dyche and Vitor Pereira have all sat in the dugout at the City Ground this term - often leading to tricky periods on the pitch.

However, the latter of the aforementioned quartet led the Reds to the Europa League semi-final, before securing Premier League survival against Newcastle United.

A period of continuity must now be handed to the 57-year-old in the months ahead if the club are to have any chance of fighting for European football once again in 2026/27.

Pereira and the club now have a huge summer transfer window ahead of them, but key outgoings could shape the business that’s conducted during the off-season.

The latest on Elliot Anderson’s future at Nottingham Forest

Amid all the injuries and changes in recent weeks, Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson has stepped up and showcased his top-level quality in the East Midlands.

His late equaliser against boyhood club Newcastle on Sunday afternoon was the latest example of the 23-year-old coming to the front to get the side out of a tricky situation.

However, his success in the Premier League and with the England national team has only increased the interest from leading English clubs for his signature.

With no Europe on the horizon for Forest next season, it’s now almost certain that Anderson will depart the City Ground, with Manchester United and Manchester City just two sides wanting a move.

The big talking point in recent weeks has been the potential fee the Reds will demand, as it’s previously been reported that £100m will be required for a sale to be considered.

City appear to be the most likely destination for the Englishman at present, with no Forest supporter begrudging the youngster for wanting to further his career.

£30m star could be the perfect Anderson replacement

Undoubtedly, Anderson is a player no one at Forest wants to leave, but there’s little denying he’s deserving of the opportunity to play at the top-level of European football.

However, despite potentially recouping a mammoth profit on the £30m investment spent on him in 2024, the big challenge will be replacing a player of his calibre.

A player of similar ilk will be way too expensive for the Reds' hierarchy this summer, which could see cheaper alternatives being considered by the hierarchy.

Inter Milan star Davide Frattesi has once again been mentioned as a possible successor, but after previously rejecting the Reds, it remains to be seen if he would be interested in a move to Nottingham.

As a result, the recruitment team must desperately look to reignite their interest in Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney when the summer transfer window opens.

The Reds have previously made an offer for his signature during the January window, with Pereira’s men likely to return to the table for the 23-year-old this summer.

It’s was reported that a fee in the region of £30m would be required for his signature back in January, but with just a year left on his deal at the Riverside, it's thought he's now worth just £12m. Crystal Palace have made him their number one target according to the Telegraph, but Forest could still pounce.

However, Hackney should be Forest’s top priority during the upcoming window, with his stats from the 2025/26 campaign highlighting why he’s the perfect Anderson replacement.

The youngster has completed 87% of his passes this campaign, whilst creating 2.3 chances per 90 - the most of any deep-lying midfielder in England’s second tier.

Such an asset is extremely similar to that of the ‘Geordie Maradona’ who’s completed the most forward passes in the Forest team in the Premier League this term.

However, another asset to Anderson’s game is his relentless pressing and ball-winning ability - something which Hackney has also demonstrated this season.

The Boro star has made 1.9 successful tackles per 90 and 5.6 ball recoveries per 90 - subsequently demonstrating his phenomenal ability to break up the play at the Riverside.

His tally of 1.5 successful dribbles per 90 and 5.1 ground duels won per 90 further highlight his all-round quality at both ends of the pitch - something which will be missed upon any departure of Anderson.

Losing the Englishman would be a bitter blow for Pereira’s men this summer, as he’s been influential in the club’s ability to beat the drop once again in England’s top-flight.

However, as one door closes, another opens, and that could well be the case with Hackney, who could step up and be the Reds’ next version of the £100m star.