Vitor Pereira has left Nottingham Forest with the club poised to appoint former Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner as his successor, a move that blindsided the Portuguese manager after he believed they were building something together.
The 51-year-old Austrian, who left Palace at the end of last season, will become Forest's fifth manager in fewer than 12 months. Contact with Glasner was first initiated earlier this summer, and BBC Sport understands a deal is virtually done with only formalities left to complete.
“Vitor Pereira leaves Nottingham Forest unexpectedly as Oliver Glasner is set to become fifth manager in 12 months.”
Forest activated a break clause in Pereira's contract, informing him late on Tuesday – a decision that came as a complete surprise, according to the former Wolves boss. "Although this decision came as a complete surprise to me and without any warning, I fully respect the club's right to make the decisions it believes are best for its future," Pereira said in a statement to BBC Sport.
"Naturally, I am disappointed and saddened. I truly believed in what we were building together, and I leave with a sense of pride in everything we achieved over the past months."
Pereira had a year left on his deal at the City Ground and recently attended a meeting in London to finalise transfer plans. He had already arranged pre-season in Portugal, and Forest were due to play friendlies against Blackburn, Vitoria Guimaraes, and others.
The club confirmed his departure on Thursday evening, along with staff members Filipe Almeida, Luis Miguel, Bruno Moura, Marco Knoop and Pedro Lopes also leaving. Forest issued a statement: "We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Vitor and his team for their hard work and commitment throughout their time at the club. Everyone at Nottingham Forest is grateful for their considerable efforts and for the relationships they forged with our players, staff and supporters. We thank them all for their service and wish them every success in the next stage of their careers."
Pereira reflected on his tenure: "Together, we enjoyed a memorable end to the season. We secured the club's Premier League status, reached the semi-finals of the Europa League, and created moments that will stay with me forever. Most importantly, I saw a group of players grow in confidence, belief and togetherness. Watching them develop, fight for one another and represent this club with passion has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career."
He added: "I leave Nottingham Forest with no bitterness or resentment – only respect, gratitude and wonderful memories. Football is full of unexpected moments, and while this chapter has ended sooner than I expected, I will always look back on my time here with pride and affection. This is a special club, and I sincerely hope it continues to grow and achieve great things."
Glasner, who led Palace to the Europa Conference League title last season following their FA Cup success in 2025, now takes over a Forest side that finished strongly under Pereira. The speed of the change has stunned many, but Forest have moved quickly to secure their preferred candidate.