Evangelos Marinakis reveals Nottingham Forest’s plan for the January transfer window… as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side aim for a historic top four finish after flying start

Evangelos Marinakis insists Nottingham Forest will prioritise team spirit over new signings as they aim to secure Champions League football for next season.

Forest have made a sensational start to the campaign and will end 2024 no lower than fourth in the Premier League after concluding the calendar year with a 2-0 win at Everton on December 29.

While Marinakis says Forest can do ‘whatever is needed’ during the January transfer window, the club owner is desperate not to disrupt the squad harmony that coach Nuno Espirito Santo has worked so hard to create.

‘We will do whatever is needed to be stronger and of course our coach will decide what he really needs,’ said Marinakis. ‘We must keep the same spirit and same environment in the dressing room and all our players this year have the right spirit. This is a very good climate we should try our very best not to interrupt it.

‘It is an important achievement because in all positions we have players who perform or even over-perform. For us this is our first priority – keep the momentum, keep winning and continue to enjoy the journey.’

Marinakis was speaking at the Globe Soccer Dubai Awards after Olympiacos – the Greek giants he also owns – took the ‘club revelation’ prize thanks to their historic triumph in last season’s Europa Conference League.

Forest have made a superb start and will end 2024 no lower than fourth in the Premier League

Chris Wood took his tally to 11 goals by scoring Forest’s opener against Everton on Sunday

Now Marinakis wants Forest to emulate them. That seemed unlikely when the club were struggling in the Championship and spent their first two top-flight seasons fighting for survival.

Yet in the first half of this campaign Forest have been excellent, securing victories at Manchester United and Liverpool among other notable results. Nuno, meanwhile, has rebuilt the reputation he acquired during four seasons at Wolves, following a short, unhappy spell at Tottenham in 2021.

‘I wanted to bring Nuno to Nottingham, of course I supported him and now we see the results,’ Marinakis added. ‘He is happy and we are happy. We have a good understanding and respect for each other.’