Bad news for Ndoye: Nottingham Forest “pushing” to sign “exciting” £35m gem

Nottingham Forest Eyeing Late Move for Dilane Bakwa Amid Bright Start to the Season

It feels like a distant memory now, but there was a time when Morgan Gibbs-White looked set to leave Nottingham Forest. Fortunately for Forest fans, a potential switch to North London never materialized.

Instead, Gibbs-White has started both of Forest’s Premier League matches this season, playing a key role as the team remains unbeaten.

Another standout in the early stages of the campaign has been Dan Ndoye, who has impressed with a goal and an assist.

Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo remains eager to strengthen his squad further, with hopes of adding more quality before the transfer window closes — and it appears a major move could still be on the cards.

Forest Push to Land £35m Attacking Talent

Nottingham Forest have kicked into gear in the transfer market, making several significant additions. Omari Hutchinson and James McAtee have joined from Ipswich Town and Manchester City respectively, with the combined outlay reaching an eye-watering £67.5 million.

Alongside the arrival of Ndoye, Forest’s attacking ranks are now filled with promising young talents — and the club isn’t done yet.

According to journalist John Percy, Forest are actively pursuing a deal for RC Strasbourg attacker Dilane Bakwa.

The club is said to have had a previous bid of around £30 million rejected, but a fresh offer in the region of £35 million may be enough to seal the deal.

Bakwa’s potential arrival could raise concerns for Ndoye, who is currently occupying the right-wing spot and will be eager to retain his place in the starting lineup amidst increasing competition.

Bakwa vs Ndoye: Who Offers More?

With Anthony Elanga leaving this summer, Forest were initially left short on options out wide. Ndoye has helped fill that gap, but Bakwa’s performances in Ligue 1 suggest he could be an instant upgrade.

Statistically, Bakwa appears to be more of a creative force. While Ndoye registered six assists in 62 Serie A matches, Bakwa has already provided 17 assists in France’s top flight — a figure that more closely mirrors what Elanga offered before his move to Newcastle United, having tallied 21 assists in 81 appearances for Forest.

Both players have scored an equal number of goals in their respective leagues, but Bakwa’s playmaking edge could give him the upper hand.

He’s also started the current season strongly, recording two assists for Strasbourg, who are flying high early on under Liam Rosenior. Journalist Josh Bunting has even described him as “very exciting,” citing his consistent displays in Ligue 1.

With Bakwa seemingly ready to make the jump to the Premier League, the challenge for Nuno will be fitting all his attacking talent into a balanced XI. If a deal does go through, the 23-year-old might expect to start right away — potentially at Ndoye’s expense — posing some tough tactical decisions for the Portuguese manager.