‘Offer’ expected as Nottingham Forest face losing another key man to Newcastle United

Nottingham Forest may be bracing for another significant loss to Newcastle United this summer, as the Magpies look set to return for a second high-profile figure from the club.

Having already secured the signing of Swedish winger Anthony Elanga, Newcastle’s attention has now shifted to Ross Wilson, Forest’s chief football officer, who has emerged as the frontrunner for the vacant sporting director position at St James’ Park.

Wilson’s name was first linked with the role last month, and since then, talks between the parties have intensified.

It’s understood he took part in a second interview as the recruitment process moved forward, where he was believed to be competing with Jason Ayto, Arsenal’s former interim sporting director.

Now, all indications point to Wilson being the preferred choice for the job. While Newcastle have yet to formally approach Forest, The Athletic reports that the club is expected to make an offer soon, with Wilson regarded as their ideal candidate to lead the football operations behind the scenes.

Wilson, a highly experienced figure in football management, joined Nottingham Forest in April 2023 after the club parted ways with former sporting director Filippo Giraldi.

Since arriving at the City Ground, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the club’s footballing vision and executing their long-term strategies.

Under his watch, Forest have not only preserved their Premier League status but are now preparing for a historic European campaign—their first in over thirty years.

His work at Forest has not gone unnoticed. Earlier this year, Wilson was reportedly courted by his former club Huddersfield Town, who were eager for him to oversee their recruitment operations.

Having previously served as head of football operations at the Yorkshire outfit, he was a familiar face and a known quantity to their leadership. However, Wilson declined the approach, preferring to continue his work at Forest.

In addition to his time at Huddersfield, Wilson’s résumé includes tenures at Southampton, Watford, and Falkirk.

His most prominent pre-Forest role came at Rangers, where he spent three-and-a-half years as sporting director, helping the club return to the summit of Scottish football.

That pedigree has made him an appealing target for clubs seeking experienced leadership capable of navigating the complexities of modern football, including player recruitment, financial fair play, and long-term squad planning.

Losing Wilson would be a considerable blow to Forest, especially so soon after Elanga’s departure. His influence extends far beyond just signing players; he has been instrumental in developing the club’s footballing identity and laying down a clear structure for success.

With the season fast approaching and Forest aiming to solidify their Premier League standing while balancing European commitments, a potential exit by Wilson could force the club into another critical recruitment process, one that could have major implications both on and off the pitch.

Meanwhile, Forest haven’t stood still on the strategic front. They recently appointed former Arsenal sporting director Edu as their global head of football.

The Brazilian has taken on a wide-reaching role that spans recruitment, performance management, player development, and long-term squad building.

Edu’s arrival signals Forest’s intent to continue evolving as a modern football institution, even as key figures like Wilson potentially move on.

As things stand, no official deal has been confirmed, but Newcastle’s interest is real and growing. The coming days may prove pivotal, not only for Ross Wilson’s future but also for the continued development of Nottingham Forest’s vision—one that has already undergone significant transformation in just over a year.