Oliver Glasner may be the first Nottingham Forest manager in the modern era to express delight over the club’s transfer deadline day business — because he was happy to see a few players leave, rather than arrive.While fans were waiting for news of new signings, Glasner was saying “thanks, but no thanks” to the club hierarchy when offered the opportunity to make last-minute additions before 11pm on Tuesday.Since his appointment, the Austrian has been crystal clear in what he wants.Forest had one or two carefully researched targets, who they had worked on over a period of weeks — including Everton midfielder Harrison Armstrong and Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson — and would have liked to have signed before the deadline. But, when those approaches proved unsuccessful, Glasner was of the view that Forest would not benefit from doing panicked deals.“I’m very happy with how the transfer window went at the end,” the 52-year-old said this week. “We wanted to reduce the number of players and also add quality players with top character. I think we achieved everything.“I am the first manager who helped to save Mr Marinakis’ money. Those transfer targets were prepared well; we had identified the profiles we wanted. It made no sense to add somebody else.”Glasner outlined the squad he wanted during the club’s pre-season training camp in Portugal — a group of 22 to 24 senior players, supported by the next generation.Nottingham Forest are in a good place after their summer transfer business (Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images)As he prepares his Forest side to host Tottenham Hotspur at the City Ground today, Glasner has 23 of 24 senior players available to him, with Nicolo Savona the only one missing through injury.There is competition for places in every position and a group who will all feel they have a chance of being involved — as well as a clear pathway to first-team opportunities for academy players.The perspective can easily be skewed by the memory of previous windows, kick-started by the one in the summer of 2022, when Forest made a record-breaking 21 additions following promotion. Last summer, Forest spent around £200million ($270m at current exchange rates) on 13 new players, as they prepared for Europa League competition.Forest made only five signings this summer (six if you include attacking midfielder Gustavo Sa, who immediately joined Olympiacos on loan) — and one of those was a third-choice goalkeeper, Steven Benda. This was the first year since the pandemic-affected 2020-2021 season that Forest did not make a summer deadline-day signing. But they still have a squad of genuine quality and made some impressive additions in Liam Delap, Ousmane Diomande, Daniel Munoz and free agent Xaver Schlager.So, what does Forest’s squad depth look like?GoalkeeperMatz Sels was the joint winner of the Golden Glove award with Arsenal’s David Raya in 2024-2025.Sels is a strong shot-stopper — his save percentage of 70.9 per cent was only bettered by Manchester City No 1 Gianluigi Donnarumma among regular starters in the Premier League last season. He had injury issues with his groin, and distribution is not one of his strengths. But he is a proven goalkeeper at this level.John Victor still has the memory of his error at Aston Villa in January hanging over him — when he rushed out of his area, conceded a goal and picked up a serious knee injury. But the Brazilian was called up for his national team in October and there is a sense he is better than that moment suggested, with a period when former coach Sean Dyche saw fit to give him a run in the side ahead of Sels.Is he likely to be picked ahead of Sels by Glasner? It feels unlikely. But he is a reasonable back-up. Benda, formerly of Fulham, was signed to offer further support.DefenceMurillo, Nikola Milenkovic and Diomande are the defensive trio Glasner desperately wanted — he feels as though the latter’s signing from Sporting CP has given Forest three players capable of forging the same kind of unit that was the foundation for Crystal Palace’s success under the Austrian.Bey0nd that, Forest have the highly regarded 21-year-old Brazilian, Jair Cunha. The versatile Savona is also comfortable playing in the centre and Ryan Yates demonstrated in pre-season that he can drop into that role.Glasner feels he has six options to play in a central defensive trio and four players who would be confident in the heart of a back four.Forest have generous wing-back cover on both sides, following the addition of Munoz — who Glasner will know very well from Palace. Luca Netz continues to make a steady impression, while the consistently strong Neco Williams and Ola Aina can operate on either side.MidfieldForest made a significant effort to land Tottenham Hotspur’s Lucas Bergvall as a replacement for the Manchester City-bound Elliot Anderson. Other targets were considered. But, as pre-season unfolded, Glasner became more convinced that James McAtee was capable of filling the void.Forest believe the former Manchester City player can become an influential, integral figure, playing in a deeper role than previously. His display at Anfield was early evidence that their faith may be well-placed.Glasner has faith that James McAtee can shine in a deeper midfield role (Robbie Jay Barratt/AMA/Getty Images)Had they got a deal over the line for Armstrong — before a backlash from Everton’s fans that caused their owners to back out — Forest would have added a 19-year-old, versatile midfielder with a very high ceiling. He would not have been an Anderson replacement, but he would have been a similar English talent with huge potential — just as Anderson was when he arrived from Newcastle United in 2024.But Forest are still equipped with some quality options, all of whom have different strengths. Ibrahim Sangare continues to grow into the dominant, physical presence the club hoped he would become when he signed from PSV in 2023. His 4.93 recoveries per 90 minutes last season were only beaten by Anderson among Forest players who started more than five Premier League games.Schlager is an astute arrival as a free agent, following the end of his RB Leipzig contract, in a move that reunites him with a manager who knows him well. His work rate and industry look set to make him a popular figure at the City Ground.The value of Nico Dominguez’s versatility is easy to underestimate, with the Argentinian capable of slotting into numerous midfield roles with craft and reliability. And, while his opportunities diminished last season, you should never write off club captain Yates’ ability to contribute.Final thirdGlasner’s 3-4-2-1 formation effectively gives Forest a front three, supported in wide areas by attack-minded wing-backs.And they are spoilt for choice in those roles. Morgan Gibbs-White has scored more goals (13) than any other Premier League player in 2026; he is Forest’s most important player and the man who makes them tick. Competition for the other No 10 role is fierce.Dan Ndoye impressed at the World Cup with Switzerland and looks full of confidence on his return — Glasner values his pace and direct play.The pacy Dan Ndoye is highly valued by Glasner (David Rogers/Getty Images)Eintracht Frankfurt wanted to take Arnaud Kalimuendo back to Germany for a second loan spell, but Glasner was happy for him to stay at the City Ground as another attacking option. Callum Hudson-Odoi’s preparations have been hampered a little by injury, but Glasner regards him as being a valuable option as a wide No 10.Igor Jesus was arguably the best player in pre-season, scoring in every game he played apart from the 45 minutes against Barcelona — he has often looked more at home playing deeper, but remains a good option for the No 9 role.Delap may prove to be the most significant of all the signings, as the former Chelsea striker provides the physical presence, pace and battling qualities Glasner craves. It will take pressure off Chris Wood, who remains a genuine asset but is fast approaching his 35th birthday, while playing through a knee issue.