Nottingham Forest Risk Losing Another Key Figure to Newcastle United Following Anthony Elanga Exit
Nottingham Forest could soon be dealing with the departure of yet another influential figure to Newcastle United, as the Magpies appear set to make a formal move for the Reds’ Chief Football Officer, Ross Wilson.
Having already lost Swedish winger Anthony Elanga to Newcastle earlier in the summer, Forest are now bracing for a fresh blow — this time off the pitch. Elanga’s switch north left head coach Nuno Espirito Santo with the urgent task of finding a suitable replacement, but it now appears that the club’s leadership structure could also be unsettled as Newcastle continue their aggressive summer recruitment drive.
According to The Athletic, Wilson has emerged as the frontrunner to fill the currently vacant sporting director role at St James’ Park, with Newcastle expected to make an official offer imminently. Wilson has reportedly surpassed other candidates, including former Arsenal interim sporting director Jason Ayto, during a rigorous interview and vetting process.
Newcastle’s Search for a Sporting Director Nears Conclusion
Newcastle’s pursuit of a new sporting director comes at a pivotal time, with the club aiming to reinforce both its on-field and off-field operations ahead of a demanding season that includes European football. The Magpies are said to view Wilson as their preferred candidate and are expected to make a formal approach to Forest in the coming days. While no official offer has been tabled yet, sources close to the process suggest it is only a matter of time.
Wilson’s rise through the footballing hierarchy has been notable. Appointed by Nottingham Forest in April 2023, the 41-year-old Scot was brought in as a quick replacement for former sporting director Filippo Giraldi, who was dismissed after a brief and underwhelming tenure. Since Wilson’s arrival, Forest have made significant strides both in squad development and strategic direction.
The club is now preparing for their fourth consecutive season in the Premier League, a feat not achieved in decades, and will compete in European football for the first time in over 30 years — a milestone that Wilson has played a key role in helping the club reach.
Wilson’s Background: From Falkirk to Forest
Ross Wilson boasts an impressive resume in football administration. His career spans across several clubs and includes senior roles at Falkirk, Watford, Southampton, and most notably Rangers, where he served as sporting director for three-and-a-half years. His tenure at Rangers was marked by consistent domestic success and a strong European presence, which likely contributed to his growing reputation.
Interestingly, Wilson was also recently linked with a return to Huddersfield Town, a club where he previously worked as Head of Football Operations. Reports indicated that the Terriers were eager to bring him back in a leading recruitment role. However, Wilson ultimately turned down the opportunity, possibly due to the more prominent project taking shape at Forest — or, as now seems likely, in anticipation of a bigger move to Newcastle.
Forest’s Contingency Planning Already Underway
Although the potential loss of Wilson would undoubtedly be a setback for Forest, the club appears to be planning proactively. Earlier this summer, Forest confirmed the appointment of former Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar as Global Head of Football. In this newly created position, Edu is tasked with overseeing all football-related departments, including squad building, recruitment, performance strategy, and long-term player development.
Edu’s arrival may serve to soften the blow should Wilson depart. However, it remains to be seen how responsibilities will be reallocated and whether the club will seek a direct replacement for Wilson or rely on Edu to consolidate both roles in the interim.
Looking Ahead
If Newcastle do follow through with a formal offer, Wilson could become the second high-profile figure to swap the City Ground for St James’ Park this summer. While Forest continue their preparations for a season that promises both Premier League and European challenges, they now face the added burden of potentially restructuring their executive team.
For now, Forest fans will be hoping that stability can be maintained amid the growing interest in their top talents — both on and off the pitch. But as Newcastle continue their rapid evolution under new ownership, Forest may need to brace themselves for yet another significant departure.