Edu has departed Nottingham Forest, ending a stint of just over a year as the club's global head of football at the City Ground.

The former Arsenal midfielder's exit had been anticipated for some time — he had not attended a match since February, and his contract is believed to have been terminated by mutual agreement. Forest are not expected to appoint a replacement; instead, chief football officer George Syrianos will absorb his responsibilities.

Fallout with Nuno and internal tensions

Edu's position first came under serious scrutiny following a reported falling-out with then-manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who was dismissed last September. Nuno became the first of four managers Forest cycled through over the course of last season. At the time, Nuno hinted at internal friction and suggested his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis had deteriorated.

Edu had been appointed in July 2025 with a wide-ranging remit that extended beyond Forest to cover other clubs under Marinakis's ownership — Greek side Olympiacos and Portuguese club Rio Ave.

A decorated career before Forest

Before joining Forest, Edu spent six years at Arsenal, where he was appointed the club's first sporting director in 2022. During his playing days with Arsenal, he won two Premier League titles and two FA Cups. In his executive role, he was credited with bringing manager Mikel Arteta to Emirates Stadium — a decision that ultimately led to Arsenal's first Premier League title in 22 years, secured last season.

His departure follows another significant change in Forest's leadership structure. Former Olympiacos vice-president Theodore Giannikos was appointed chief executive last week, succeeding Lina Souloukou, who had stepped down from the post at the end of last season.