Credit: Imago / Hasan Karim - Breaking Media

Harri Burton

Sat 23 August 2025 14:08, UK

Marco Silva could be chosen as Nuno Espirito Santo’s successor as drama continues to unfold at Nottingham Forest, according to Paul Merson.

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Espirito Santo’s future at the City Ground has been thrown into uncertainty as the disgruntled manager continues to air his dirty laundry to the media following a frustrating summer transfer window.

According to The Athletic (22 August), sporting director Edu is the reason for disagreement behind the scenes, with the manager’s desire to sign Adama Traore blocked over the last few weeks.

The Reds have recently added Douglas Luiz to the squad, alongside the likes of Arnaud Kalimuendo, Dan Ndoye, and James McAtee, but it is the complete opposite scenario at Craven Cottage.

Silva has already been tipped to leave Fulham due to a summer of very little business, only signing veteran goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte, and Merson now believes he could be a potential target for Forest should Espirito Santo depart.

Speaking live on Sky Sports News (23 August, 1:11pm), Merson said: “There’s a lot to be done at Fulham, but I still think they’ll be okay.

My biggest worry, as a Fulham fan, would be that we don’t lose Silva.

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“He’s a very good manager, and seeing everything that is happening at Nottingham Forest, I’m not putting two and two together, but he would be someone you’d be interested in if you’re Nottingham Forest.”

Marco Silva’s Fulham stats ahead of 2025/26.

(Credit: Hasan Karim – Breaking Media)

Football Insider verdict

There seemed to be a difference of opinion between Espirito Santo and Evangelos Marinakis at the back end of last season, when the owner stormed onto the pitch after a 2-2 draw with Leicester City.

However, it was claimed that everything remained rosy behind the scenes, and that was certainly expected to be the case after Forest secured European football, albeit they did drop out of the Champions League spots.

With more competitions to think about, increasing the size of the squad and splashing the cash only made sense for the Reds, but Espirito Santo is clearly particular about his signings.

(Credit: Imago)

Silva, currently at Craven Cottage, has made no secret about wanting to push himself and take on new challenges, and Europa League football would certainly do that for the Portuguese figure.

The number of signings at the City Ground could also be a massive draw for the Fulham boss, who continues to struggle with the lack of investment on the pitch in West London.

It would be a huge shame to see a behind-the-scenes fallout bring an end to Espirito Santo’s time at the City Ground, but with all the rumours swirling, it would not be at all surprising this summer.

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