Nottingham Forest have signaled their ambitions on the European stage – naming former Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar as their new global head of football.
In a significant move ahead of their first European campaign in three decades, Forest announced that Edu will lead all football operations-spanning recruitment, player development, performance strategy, and long-term squad planning.
The Brazilian football executive unexpectedly stepped down from his role at Arsenal in late 2024, ending a five-year tenure that helped shape the club’s modern identity. First joining as technical director in 2019, Edu was instrumental in bringing Mikel Arteta to the Emirates and building the team into a regular title contender. His promotion to Arsenal’s inaugural sporting director in 2022 marked a key milestone in the club’s restructuring.
After Edu’s departure, Jason Ayto held the interim post before Arsenal confirmed Andrea Berta as their permanent sporting director this summer.
Speaking about his new role, Edu shared his enthusiasm: “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.”
Forest’s appointment of Edu underlines a strategic pivot – a club once fighting for top-flight survival now eyeing a stable and ambitious future on the continental stage.
