Glasner’s View on Forest’s Transfer Window

Oliver Glasner declared himself a happy man with Nottingham Forest’s summer transfer business after the deadline passed earlier this week.

The Reds brought five new faces through the door at the City Ground, with Daniel Muñoz’s arrival rounding off the summer business following his move to Trentside the day before the September 1 deadline.

Some of the younger players in the squad completed loan moves away for the forthcoming season to gain valuable minutes on the pitch week in, week out for their temporary clubs.

The Forest boss is happy with the size of his squad as they continue to build the spirit and togetherness needed to enjoy a successful 2026/27 campaign.

“It’s good now that we know the team, we know the group who will represent Nottingham Forest for at least four months.

“I’m very happy; it’s exactly what we wanted to do. On the one side, we wanted to reduce the number of players because we haven’t any international football, and add quality players with high character.

“This is what we could do with the profiles we wanted to add. Now, having a group of 21 outfield players and three goalkeepers, we’re creating great spirit and togetherness in the way that everyone knows how we want to play and deal with each other.

“This is why we’re happy with the window.”

One player to complete a temporary move away from the City Ground on deadline day was Academy product Zach Abbott, who joined Southampton on loan for the season after penning a new contract with the Reds.

Glasner admitted it was tough to allow Abbott to leave the club for the season, but after an honest conversation with the player, they agreed it was best for his development.

“It was very tough, but honestly, I wanted him to stay. I had a conversation with him because I love working with him; he’s a great person and a great player.

“He’s homegrown, from our own Academy, and he loves Nottingham Forest. But he came to me and said he wasn’t sure how many minutes he was going to get and he needs minutes for his personal development.

“His biggest dream is to play for Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. That made me weak because, of course, I’m responsible for Forest, which is why I wanted to keep him, but on the other hand, when a player like him needs regular game time, I just couldn’t say no.

“That’s why we agreed to the loan deal, and we all hope he comes back further in his development, with the experience of hopefully many Championship games.”

Saturday’s opponents, Tottenham Hotspur, have also been busy during the summer months, with no fewer than 10 new faces arriving in north London.

“They’ve had a very busy transfer window, spending huge money. I think they’re second to Liverpool in net spend. They’ve had a tricky start to the season, but they’ve also made some late signings.

“They’re on a pathway now to create a shared vision with how they want to play. They’re a very good team with a very good manager; he has a clear way in how he wants his teams to play.

“I believe the game against Newcastle could have ended the opposite way round. But we focus on ourselves and we’ll give everything to get the first win of the season.”