Marinakis’ stunning ambition hailed as ‘Nottingham Forest deal agreed’

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has been “very ambitious” after a deal has been agreed at the City Ground. 

Forest enjoyed a strong season in the Premier League as they looked on course to qualify for the Champions League throughout the majority of the campaign.

However, a late dip in form saw them slide down the table and end the campaign in seventh spot, just one point behind fifth-place Newcastle United.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side will compete in the Conference League next season, but they could be promoted up into the Europa League after Crystal Palace have lost their place in the competition. 

Forest confirmed on 7 July Edu Gaspar has been appointed as global head of football at the City Ground.

It comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed last November Edu had quit Arsenal after agreeing a triple-your-money deal with Marinakis’s group.

Finance expert Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Edu is looking to build the Greek billionaire’s multi-club model, which includes Olympiacos and Rio Ave.

The ex-Brazil international midfielder spent five years at Arsenal as technical director and sporting director before joining Forest.

Evangelos Marinakis has delivered on Nottingham Forest plans

Borson insisted Forest have so far delivered on Marinakis’s expectations.

He told Football Insider: “I think he’s been very ambitious all the way along, right?

“If you think about the aggressive way he came out of the Championship and spent even knowing there were issues with PSR, then they’ve actually delivered.

“I think in some ways they’ll be disappointed that they only ended up in the Conference League, unless they can get into the Europa League.

“But even if they got into the Europa League, it’s by accident. So, I think they’ll be disappointed with where it landed, but there’s a lot of ambition there.

“I think that is crystal clear, and they know that to some degree they threw it away last season having got themselves into that amazing position that they did. 

“The Edu situation we’ve all known about for months. I didn’t even realise it hadn’t been confirmed. I thought it had been.

“Clearly, he’s very into the whole MCO situation in terms of building the group.” 

Nottingham Forest open talks to sign Johan Bakayoko

In terms of a potential incoming at the City Ground, Football Insider revealed on 8 July Forest have opened talks to sign Johan Bakayoko from PSV Eindhoven this summer.

Nuno’s side have turned their attention to the winger after agreeing to sell Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United for £55million plus add-ons. 

Forest want a wide man who is proven at the top level and able to play on both channels as well as down the middle. 

PSV are demanding a fee of between £25-30million for Bakayoko, who is commanding interest from several clubs across Europe.