Nottingham Forest has appointed former Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar as their new global head of football, as Softfootball gathered, in a move that marks the next phase in owner Evangelos Marinakis’ plan to expand his multi-club project.
The newly created role will see the 46-year-old Brazilian oversee all football operations at the City Ground, including recruitment, performance, squad planning, and player development.
The Athletic confirmed that Edu’s remit will also extend to Marinakis’ other clubs, Olympiacos in Greece and Rio Ave in Portugal, with the expectation that he will help grow and professionalise the wider football network under the Greek shipping magnate’s ownership.
Forest confirmed the appointment on Tuesday, describing Edu’s role as central to “building a competitive and sustainable global football model aligned with the president’s vision.”
Speaking after his appointment, Edu said:
“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 expressed his reaction by saying,
“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 returns to club football after stepping down from his position at Arsenal in November, bringing to an end a five-year stint in north London. He initially joined as the club’s first technical director in 2019, before being promoted to sporting director in 2022.
A member of Arsène Wenger’s Invincibles, Edu was instrumental in reshaping Arsenal’s football department during a transitional period, including the appointment of Mikel Arteta in December 2019 and the construction of a younger, more dynamic squad.
Reflecting on his departure at the time, Edu said:
“Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”
Since retiring from playing in 2011, Edu has held senior football roles at Corinthians and with the Brazil national team, where he worked as general coordinator. He also briefly advised the Iran national team in 2014.
Softfootball had reported earlier that Nottingham Forest has confirmed that Ola Aina has committed his long-term future to the club, signing a new three-year contract that runs until 2028.
The Nigerian international initially joined Forest in July 2023 on a one-year deal following the expiry of his contract at Torino and since then has become an integral factor for the English side, helping them to a seventh-place finish last season.
Forest, under Nuno Espirito Santo, finished seventh in the Premier League last season and will compete in the UEFA Conference League in 2025-26. Nuno signed a new contract earlier this summer, committing his future to the club until 2028.
