Edu leaves Nottingham Forest after turbulent spell

Edu, the former Brazil midfielder, has departed Nottingham Forest after a turbulent year at the City Ground. The global head of football for the club left without attending a match since February, and his departure, with a contract termination believed, was anticipated. Edu's tenure was marked by a disagreement with former manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who was dismissed last September, the first of four managers during the season.

Espirito Santo alluded to internal conflicts and stated his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis had shifted. Edu is not anticipated to be replaced, as Forest's chief football officer George Syrianos will now oversee the club. Edu joined the club in July 2025, responsible for Greek team Olympiacos and Portuguese club Rio Ave, both owned by Marinakis.

He previously served as Arsenal's sporting director from 2022, leading the Gunners to two Premier League titles and two FA Cups. Edu's exit follows the appointment of former Olympiacos vice-president Theodore Giannikos as chief executive, replacing Lina Souloukou, who resigned from the role at the end of last season.