Edu leaves Nottingham Forest after turbulent spell

What the report says

Nottingham Forest’s global head of football, Edu, has left the club after a little more than a year at the City Ground, according to BBC Sport Football. The former Arsenal midfielder’s exit had been anticipated, and the broadcaster reported that his contract is believed to have been terminated. Edu had not attended matches since February.

BBC Sport said his role became a focus after an apparent dispute with former manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who was dismissed last September during a season in which Forest changed managers four times. At the time, Nuno suggested there had been internal tension and said his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis had altered.

Edu was appointed in July 2025 in a broad football oversight role that also covered Marinakis-owned clubs Olympiacos and Rio Ave. Forest are not expected to appoint a direct replacement, with chief football officer George Syrianos set to take over Edu’s responsibilities. His departure follows recent boardroom changes, including the appointment of Theodore Giannikos as chief executive last week, replacing Lina Souloukou.

More broadly, Edu arrived at Forest after a six-year spell at Arsenal, where he had a leading football operations role following his playing career. His exit adds to the sense of instability around Forest’s football structure as the club continues to reshape senior leadership.