Nottingham Forest wonderkid with ‘bright future’ set to benefit the most after Nuno Espirito Santo’s new deal
Nuno Espírito Santo’s New Contract a Major Boost for Nottingham Forest – Especially for One Young Star
Nuno Espírito Santo’s recent contract extension with Nottingham Forest is widely seen as a positive step forward for the club, signaling stability, ambition, and continuity at the City Ground. While many players and fans will welcome the news, there’s one young talent in particular who could benefit the most from the Portuguese tactician’s long-term stay: teenage defender Zach Abbott.
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has made it clear that he expects further progression from Espírito Santo, who has now committed his future to the club until 2028. Despite the pressure to keep pushing forward, the manager’s tenure so far suggests he’s more than capable of delivering. Under his guidance, Forest have looked tactically disciplined, defensively sound, and increasingly competitive—even in high-stakes matches.
The announcement of the contract extension sent waves of excitement through the fanbase. Supporters even took to social media to mock pundit Gary Neville, who infamously claimed last summer that Espírito Santo should step down. That opinion hasn’t aged well, with Forest climbing steadily under his leadership.
Zach Abbott Poised for Breakthrough Under Nuno
While the contract renewal is great news for most of the squad, Zach Abbott may have the most to gain. The 18-year-old centre-back has continued to impress on the international stage, recently captaining England in the Under-19 European Championships. Although England failed to reach the knockout rounds, Abbott’s performances were solid, showcasing his maturity and defensive intelligence.
With international duty now concluded, all eyes are on Abbott’s pre-season with Forest, and it’s expected to be a pivotal campaign in his development. Espírito Santo has already shown immense faith in the youngster, most notably when he handed him a surprise start in last season’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City. Though Forest lost that match, Abbott held his own against elite opposition, earning praise from his manager, who described him as a player with a “very bright future.”
Espírito Santo’s decision to trust Abbott in such a crucial fixture spoke volumes about his long-term vision. Now, with Forest qualifying for European competition via the UEFA Conference League, opportunities could be more plentiful for squad players—especially those who meet homegrown criteria. Abbott fits the bill perfectly, and his versatility, composure, and potential make him an ideal candidate to feature prominently in the team’s European campaign.
If the club continues to back young talent and Espírito Santo remains committed to integrating promising prospects, Abbott could become a key figure in Forest’s setup over the next few seasons.
Not All Good News – Sosa’s Struggles Could Worsen
However, not everyone in the squad will be celebrating Nuno’s extended stay. One player whose future at Forest looks increasingly bleak is Ramon Sosa. The Paraguayan winger has failed to establish himself under Espírito Santo and has been largely out of favour throughout the season.
Rumours have swirled about a strained relationship between the player and the manager, with reports even suggesting that the two have clashed behind the scenes. If true, Espírito Santo’s long-term commitment could spell the end of Sosa’s Forest career.
While the obvious solution would be a summer exit, the situation is complicated. Sosa reportedly wants to remain in European football, but interest from European clubs has been lukewarm at best. So far, Palmeiras, one of Brazil’s top clubs, has shown the strongest desire to sign him. However, Sosa appears reluctant to return to South America just yet.
This puts both the player and the club in a tough position. Unless Sosa changes his stance or a European side comes forward, he may be forced to stay and attempt to win over a manager who has shown little inclination to use him. With Espírito Santo now at the helm until 2028, that could be a very tall order.
A Defining Period Ahead for Forest’s Project
As Nottingham Forest embark on an exciting new chapter, the club’s trajectory will hinge on how Espírito Santo continues to shape the squad. His commitment to young talent, tactical discipline, and ability to manage high-pressure environments bodes well for Forest’s future. For players like Zach Abbott, this is an ideal environment to grow and shine. For others, such as Ramon Sosa, the road ahead could be far more uncertain.
Either way, Nuno Espírito Santo’s contract extension is a clear sign that Forest are building for the long term—and doing so with ambition and clarity of purpose.