🔄 1. Outgoing Winds & Big Financial Shift
Anthony Elanga is set to complete a £60 million move to Newcastle United (initial £55m + add-ons), with Manchester United set to receive about £8 million via a sell-on clause . This deal empowers Forest with a serious spending budget—all eyes now turn to reinvestment.
Ramon Sosa has finalized his departure to Palmeiras, while Borja Sainz is ruled out following his £15 million move to Porto.
Igor Jesus arrives from Botafogo, already in place to shore up attacking options .
🎯 2. The Winger Search: Clear Targets & Tactical Needs
✅ Top Prospects
Malick Fofana (Lyon, 20)
A direct, explosive Belgian winger: 11 goals and 6 assists last season .
Forest have a provisional agreement with Lyon (~£25–43m, depending on add-ons) .
However, he’s yet to sign terms and prefers Champions League offers, keeping top-tier clubs (Chelsea, Liverpool, Bayern, Napoli) in the picture .
Lyon’s financial crisis and relegation scare might force a favourable transfer ~€60 million valuation although discounts are possible .
Johan Bakayoko (PSV, 22)
Belgian forward, clocked 12 goals last season including Champions League efforts .
Forest have formally approached PSV, with a reported £30 million asking price .
His ability to cut inside from the right complements Forest’s inverted width strategy.
Baris Alper Yilmaz (Galatasaray, 25)
A goal-scoring wing/inside-forward (14 goals last season) with strong physical and tactical attributes .
Estimated fee around £30 million, representing a proven profile in European competition.
🕒 Secondary Options
Timothy Weah has declined Forest’s approach, favouring Juventus or Marseille .
Callum Hudson‑Odoi, valued internally, is reportedly undergoing new contract talks to fend off suitors .
💡 3. Strategy & Tactical Fit Under Nuno
Pace, Pressing, Directness
Nuno Espirito Santo values wide players who can press relentlessly, transition fast, and beat defenders one‑on‑one. Fofana’s explosive dribbling and Bakayoko’s cutting ability align perfectly .
Depth & Rotation
With Europa Conference League football in sight, Forest need 2–3 quality wingers for rotation—ensuring freshness across campaigns.
Financial Fair Play & Sustainability
Forest must ensure spending is balanced and compliant with Premier League regulations—Elanga’s massive fee alleviates pressure, but big investments still require careful stewardship .
🧩 4. The Name Game: Who Fits?
Player Age Club Strengths Price (est.) Likelihood
Malick Fofana 20 Lyon Explosive, adaptable, creative £25–60m Leading candidate
Johan Bakayoko 22 PSV Goal-scoring winger, technically sharp ~£30m High proximity
Baris Yilmaz 25 Galatasaray Physically strong, proven in action ~£30m Possible
Hudson‑Odoi 24 Forest (?) Already in-house, seeking extension — Retain focus
🌐 5. Market Dynamics & Competitive Pressure
Fofana: Forest have provisional deal support, but Chelsea, Liverpool, Bayern, Napoli are serious competitors offering Champions League and premium terms .
Bakayoko: Less high-profile interest, giving Forest a clearer path if they can meet £30m valuation .
The sequence matters—securing one deal (like Bakayoko) could free the Elanga-Channelling momentum for top targets.
🚨 6. What to Watch in the Next Weeks
- Formal agreement on Fofana? Will he lean on Champions League prospects or value regular play at Forest?
- Bakayoko negotiations: Will PSV ease on price or hold firm amid wider Premier League interest?
- Yilmaz talks: Does Forest see him as immediate depth or plan for a dual winger approach?
- Hudson‑Odoi decision: Extension or sale? This will affect how many wingers are needed.
🔮 7. Conclusion & Forecast
Nottingham Forest are laser-focused on wingers, especially after losing Elanga.
Backed by substantial funds, they’re aiming for a mix: a high-upside youngster (Fofana or Bakayoko) and possibly a reliable starter (Yilmaz or internal retention).
Squad must satisfy tactical demands, rotation needs, and financial rules.