Leeds United's 2026/27 opening-weekend opponents reportedly set for shock manager decision

Leeds United’s Premier League opening-weekend hosts could have a new manager on board amid reports of a surprising exit.

The Whites kick off their 2026/27 campaign at Nottingham Forest on Saturday August 22, the pair having fought off relegation last season. Leeds eventually finished two places above Forest, who burned through four managers in a chaotic nine months.

Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked after three games before eventually taking West Ham down, with his successor Ange Postecoglou lasting just 39 days. Sean Dyche lasted 114 days before Vitor Pereira signed an 18-month contract in February.

Pereira guided Forest to 44 points and safety but could now become the latest to pack his bags. In a surprising development, Fabrizio Romano reported via X on Wednesday the Portuguese coach ‘could be gone’.

He said in a post on X: “Nottingham Forest and Vitor Pereira could NOT continue together for the upcoming season. Understand there’s movement behind the scenes at #NFFC and Pereira could be gone.”

The Telegraph and other outlets went on to report that Oliver Glasner will take over at the City Ground. The Austrian left Crystal Palace following the expiration of his contract.

Shock U-turn for Leeds United rivals Nottingham Forest

Should Pereira and Forest part ways, it would represent a major U-turn between the pair. In Mid-May, the Athletic’s David Ornstein reported that City Ground chiefs were planning to hand their head coach a new long-term contract with the atmosphere inside the club ‘extremely healthy’.

Two weeks ago, BBC Sport reported that said talks were put on hold, although at the time, both parties were believed to remain committed to the future. Pereira was subject to interest from Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal but both he and Forest were keen to restart discussions.

It’s unclear what might have changed in the six weeks since but Ornstein also reported Forest planned to retain all key players. They have since agreed a £116million deal to sell midfielder Elliot Anderson to Manchester City.

A parting of ways would also increase further the number of managerial changes across the Premier League this summer. Newly-promoted Ipswich Town have already replaced Kieran McKenna with Gary O’Neil while Crystal Palace, Fulham, Chelsea, Bournemouth, Liverpool and Manchester City will all have fresh faces in the dugout.