Manchester United are reportedly keen on securing the services of two Nottingham Forest stars in a likely £147 million double transfer, as Forest face an inevitable summer exodus.
The 2025/26 Premier League season has witnessed a notable trend of clubs that overachieved in previous campaigns being brought back to reality, either through results or in the transfer market dealings. Newcastle United and Aston Villa, for instance, have seen their aspirations curbed through stiff competition for high-profile signings and financial constraints, respectively.
Nottingham Forest, however, have found themselves in a challenging year, a consequence of their rapid ascent from relegation candidates to European competitors under the leadership of former manager Nuno Espirito Santo. The club’s downfall, coming off a historic 2024/25 season that saw Nuno vie for the Manager of the Season accolade, appears largely self-inflicted with a chaotic managerial turnover perpetrated by owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Despite possessing a squad with the potential for success, Forest are battling to stave off relegation from the Premier League. They remain one of the more talented squads amidst the teams fighting at the bottom and thus hold the hope of survival, yet must prepare for significant changes this summer.
Among the expected departures is England international Elliot Anderson, considered one of Forest’s standout performers. With an estimated price tag of £100 million, Anderson is reportedly attracting interest from several top-six Premier League clubs, with both Manchester United and Manchester City keenly tracking the player.
Additionally, Brazilian defender Murillo, valued at £47 million by transfermarkt but likely to command a higher fee, is another Forest player on United’s radar. Journalist Dean Jones of TEAMtalk reports that United are determined to add quality to their defence and have identified Murillo as a key target, though face competition from Chelsea for his signature.
Murillo’s adaptability and consistency at the Premier League level make him an attractive prospect, aligning with United’s strategic approach of targeting top performers from clubs positioned below them in stature.
Amidst these developments, Forest are adamant about resisting interest in their key assets, aiming to retain the core of a squad capable of greater things under stable leadership. However, if they are to sustain and navigate their financial realities following their fleeting challenge amongst England’s elite, sales of players like Anderson and Murillo seem unavoidable.
As Forest brace for a probable reshuffle, the coming months will be essential in determining the configurations of their squad as well as those of England’s traditional top sides.