Looking to add to their South American contingent, Nottingham Forest have reportedly sent representatives to watch a big-money midfielder at the Club World Cup this summer.
Nottingham Forest’s first 5 Premier League fixtures
Preparation for the 2025/26 Premier League season is officially underway. The fixtures have been released, the nerves are already building up and potential points calculated. For Nottingham Forest, the forthcoming campaign represents the chance for them to become an established top-half side and pick up where they left off in an excellent season last time out – starting at home against Brentford.
|
Nottingham Forest first 5 games |
Date |
|---|---|
|
Nottingham Forest vs Brentford |
16/08/2025 |
|
Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest |
23/08/2025 |
|
Nottingham Forest vs West Ham United |
30/08/2025 |
|
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest |
13/09/2025 |
|
Burnley vs Nottingham Forest |
20/09/2025 |
As far as starts go, the Tricky Trees could have been handed far tougher. Their trip to Crystal Palace may yet have an extra bit of tension if Evangelos Marinakis is successful in his attempt to take their Europa League spot should the Eagles be kicked out of Europe this summer.
Meanwhile, Forest’s early trip to Arsenal should give Nuno Espirito Santo the chance to gauge where his side are at in the battle for European football and whether they’ll find themselves causing the same shocks as last season.
With the fixtures now in place, the task for those at the City Ground will be to build a squad ready to enjoy the best possible start. On that front, it already looks as though Botafogo trio Igor Jesus, Jair Cunha and Cuiabano will arrive in the coming weeks, whilst rumours continue to arise over a potential move for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.
Adding to their South American contingent seems to be the priority, however, after club chiefs were sent to watch an £85m midfielder at the Club World Cup this summer.
Nottingham Forest join Richard Rios race
According to GiveMeSport, Nottingham Forest have now joined the race to sign Richard Rios from Palmeiras this summer. The Midlands club reportedly sent representatives to watch the Colombian midfielder in action at the Club World Cup as he starred to help his side to an opening game 0-0 draw against Porto.
A deal to sign the talented South American won’t come cheap, though, amid reports that Rios has a release clause worth as much as £85m in his current contract at Palmeiras. Whether Forest are willing to or are even able to pay such a price is the big question and competition from the likes of Manchester United certainly won’t help their pursuit.
Praised for his “relentless work-rate” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Rios will be one to watch this summer at both the Club World Cup and potentially beyond if he completes a move to the Premier League.
