Nottingham Forest appoint Edu as global head of football

Nottingham Forest have confirmed the appointment of Edu Gaspar as their global head of football.

The former Arsenal and Brazil midfielder has served in several executive roles since his playing career came to an end.

Having previously worked as sporting director at Corinthians and as the general coordinator of the Brazil national team, Edu became Arsenal’s technical director in July 2019 before moving to the role of sporting director in November 2022.

He left Arsenal in November last year, when it was reported he was being lined up for a senior role overseeing Forest and the two other clubs owned by Evangelos Marinakis, Olympiacos and Rio Ave.

Forest announced Edu’s appointment on Monday, stating that he will “oversee all football-related functions, including recruitment, performance, squad strategy, and player development”.

He told their official website: “I’m truly excited about this new chapter and honoured by the trust placed in me.

“This project connects deeply with my values around innovation and long-term planning. I look forward to building a global football model that is competitive, sustainable, and aligned with our president’s ambition.”

Marinakis added: “We are extremely happy to welcome Edu to our football family. His global experience, values, and winning mindset align perfectly with our objective to strengthen and expand our international football platform.”

Edu’s appointment comes following Forest’s most successful Premier League season since their third-place finish in 1994-95.

Forest were the surprise package of the 2024-25 season, finishing seventh as they narrowly missed out on a place in the Champions League with defeat to Chelsea on the final day.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s men will enter the Conference League this coming season, and added striker Igor Jesus to their ranks on Saturday as they get set to compete on four fronts, the Brazilian arriving from Botafogo.

However, Ramon Sosa is reportedly set to depart for Palmeiras, while Newcastle United are said to be close to a deal to sign winger Anthony Elanga from Forest following a bid in the region of £55million.

Elanga was crucial to Forest last season, scoring six goals and providing 11 assists in the Premier League, and replacing him would represent the first major challenge for Edu in his new role as he looks to help the club build on their exploits of last season.