Nottingham Forest Beat Bayer Leverkusen as Transfer Links Continue

Nottingham Forest have given their supporters another reason for optimism ahead of the new Premier League season after securing an impressive 2–1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in a pre-season friendly at the City Ground. The result was particularly significant as it marked Oliver Glasner’s first match in charge at the City Ground, with Forest showing the character and attacking quality required to overcome strong European opposition.

The victory was sealed dramatically in the closing stages. After the two sides had exchanged goals, Arnaud Kalimuendo struck in the 90th minute to complete Forest’s comeback and hand Glasner a memorable home debut.

More importantly, however, the result comes at a fascinating moment for Forest, with the club continuing to reshape its squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. Forest have already demonstrated their ambition in the transfer market, most notably with the arrival of Ivory Coast international Ousmane Diomande from Sporting Lisbon. The defender has signed a four-year contract, with Forest holding an option for an additional year.

Diomande’s arrival underlines the club’s desire to build a stronger and more competitive defensive unit under Glasner. His addition is expected to provide further quality and depth at the back, while also giving the manager another important option as he establishes his tactical identity at the club.

The Leverkusen victory therefore carries significance beyond a simple pre-season scoreline. Forest had endured a difficult run against strong European opposition before the fixture, making the response against one of Germany’s leading clubs particularly encouraging. The performance suggested that Glasner’s ideas are beginning to take shape and that his squad possesses the mentality to compete at a high level.

Yet, despite the positive result, Forest’s work in the transfer market is far from complete.

The club are continuing to be linked with further additions as Glasner looks to assemble a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. Recent reports have connected Forest with midfield reinforcements, while the club have also been active in strengthening their goalkeeping department. Sky Sports reported that Forest were set to sign former Fulham goalkeeper Steven Benda, another indication that recruitment remains a major priority.

Forest’s transfer strategy appears increasingly clear: strengthen the squad with players who can immediately contribute while also possessing the potential to appreciate in value. The signing of Diomande fits that model perfectly, particularly given the defender’s age and previous development in Portugal.

The victory over Leverkusen consequently arrives at an intriguing time. Forest are not simply preparing for another Premier League campaign; they are attempting to build a team capable of taking another significant step forward under Glasner.

For supporters, the combination of an eye-catching European victory, new defensive reinforcement and continued transfer activity provides genuine encouragement. The 2–1 triumph may have been only a pre-season result, but the manner in which Forest fought until the final whistle and produced a late winner will undoubtedly strengthen belief around the City Ground.

With the Premier League season approaching rapidly, Forest now have a clear objective: turn promising pre-season performances and ambitious recruitment into sustained competitive form when the real action begins.

The win over Bayer Leverkusen may not count for points, but it has certainly added momentum to what promises to be a fascinating new chapter at Nottingham Forest.