Nottingham Forest Confirm Players Set to Leave the Club Following Release of Retained List

Several players are approaching the end of their contracts, while others are expected to return to their parent clubs following loan spells. As a result, around four to five players are widely tipped to depart Nottingham Forest this summer, allowing the club to create room for new arrivals and strengthen key areas ahead of another demanding campaign.

Forest Planning Strategic Squad Changes

Unlike previous transfer windows, Nottingham Forest are entering the summer from a position of greater stability. The club has spent the last few years rebuilding its squad following promotion to the Premier League and has gradually established itself as a competitive top-flight side.

Recent contract renewals for key players have demonstrated the club’s commitment to retaining its core talent. The long-term extension handed to defender Murillo is a clear example of Forest’s desire to build for the future rather than start from scratch each season.

As a result, the expected departures largely involve fringe players, backup options, and those whose contractual situations make a summer exit the most likely outcome.

Lorenzo Lucca Set for Return to Napoli

One of the most likely departures is striker Lorenzo Lucca, whose loan spell at Nottingham Forest appears to be coming to an end.

The Italian forward arrived with considerable expectations but struggled to establish himself as a regular starter throughout the campaign. Despite possessing an imposing physical presence and strong aerial ability, Lucca found opportunities difficult to come by in a competitive Forest attack.

Limited appearances and a lack of consistent goals have reportedly reduced the chances of Forest activating any permanent transfer option that may be attached to his loan agreement.

Consequently, Lucca is expected to return to Napoli once his temporary stay at the City Ground officially concludes.

While his spell in Nottingham may not have delivered the impact many supporters hoped for, the 25-year-old still possesses significant potential and could yet revive his career elsewhere.

Stefan Ortega Expected to Move On

Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega is another player strongly linked with a summer departure.

The experienced shot-stopper joined Forest on a short-term arrangement and provided valuable competition between the posts. Although opportunities were limited in league action, Ortega impressed whenever called upon, particularly in domestic cup competitions and European fixtures.

However, reports suggest that the German goalkeeper is likely to seek a new challenge this summer, with a return closer to home believed to be among his preferred options.

Forest already possess depth in the goalkeeping department, and Ortega’s departure would allow the club to reassess its options while potentially reducing wage expenditure.

His professionalism and experience have been widely appreciated during his time at the club, but all signs currently point towards an exit when his deal expires.

Angus Gunn Facing Uncertain Future

Fellow goalkeeper Angus Gunn is also expected to leave Nottingham Forest once his contract reaches its conclusion.

The Scotland international struggled to secure regular first-team football during his spell at the City Ground and found himself competing for opportunities in a crowded goalkeeping group.

At 30 years of age, Gunn is understood to be eager to secure more consistent playing time, something that may be difficult to guarantee at Forest.

A move elsewhere could provide the experienced goalkeeper with the fresh start he needs while allowing Forest to streamline their squad ahead of the new season.

Although his contribution on the pitch was limited, Gunn’s experience and professionalism behind the scenes have reportedly been valued by coaches and teammates alike.

Willy Boly’s Forest Career Appears Nearing Its End

Veteran defender Willy Boly is another player whose future appears increasingly likely to lie away from Nottingham Forest.

The centre-back has been a dependable figure for Forest since arriving from Wolverhampton Wanderers and played a significant role during important stages of the club’s recent Premier League journey.

However, injuries and increased competition for places have reduced his involvement over the past season.

Now approaching the latter stages of his career, the 35-year-old has found himself on the fringes of the first-team picture. With younger defensive options emerging and long-term planning becoming a priority, Forest may decide not to extend his stay beyond the expiration of his current contract.

Should Boly depart, he would leave with the respect and appreciation of supporters who witnessed his leadership and commitment during his time at the club.

Omar Richards Could Finally End Difficult Spell

Perhaps the most unfortunate story among the potential departures is that of Omar Richards.

The left-back arrived at Nottingham Forest with high expectations following his move from Bayern Munich, but injuries have severely disrupted his time in Nottingham.

Since joining the club in 2022, Richards has struggled to establish himself in the first-team setup due to persistent fitness setbacks. Loan spells have offered opportunities to regain match sharpness, but a consistent run of games has remained elusive.

Currently spending time away from the City Ground, Richards has been linked with a permanent departure as Forest evaluate their options for the left-back position.

While there is no doubt regarding his talent, both player and club may ultimately benefit from a fresh start elsewhere.

Should his departure be confirmed, it would bring an end to a difficult chapter that never truly had the opportunity to flourish.

No Major First-Team Stars Expected to Leave

One significant aspect of the retained list is the absence of major first-team stars among the expected departures.

Unlike some previous summers, Nottingham Forest are not facing the prospect of losing key players due to expiring contracts. Instead, the club has successfully secured several important members of the squad on longer-term deals.

This stability provides manager Nuno Espírito Santo with a strong platform heading into the transfer market.

Rather than replacing multiple starters, Forest can focus on targeted recruitment designed to strengthen specific areas and improve squad depth.

That approach is likely to prove beneficial as the club seeks to continue its upward trajectory and compete effectively across multiple competitions next season.

What Comes Next for Nottingham Forest?

With several departures expected, attention will now turn towards potential arrivals.

Forest’s recruitment team has earned praise in recent windows for identifying players capable of improving the squad while fitting within the club’s long-term vision. Any vacancies created by outgoing players are likely to be addressed through carefully planned additions rather than panic signings.

Goalkeeping depth, defensive reinforcements and attacking competition could all become priorities as the summer progresses.

Supporters will also be eager to see whether any academy prospects are given opportunities to step into senior roles following the departures of experienced squad members.

The coming months promise to be another important period for the club as preparations begin for the 2026/27 campaign.

Conclusion

While Nottingham Forest are not expected to undergo a major squad overhaul this summer, reports indicate that around five players could be on their way out following the confirmation of the club’s retained list.

Lorenzo Lucca, Stefan Ortega, Angus Gunn, Willy Boly and Omar Richards are among the names most frequently linked with departures due to expiring contracts, loan conclusions or uncertain long-term futures.

Importantly, the expected exits primarily involve peripheral squad members rather than established first-team stars, allowing Forest to maintain stability while making targeted improvements.

As the summer transfer window unfolds, supporters will watch closely to see which departures become official and how the club responds in the market. With a solid foundation already in place, Nottingham Forest appear focused on evolution rather than revolution as they prepare for another ambitious season.