🟥 Nottingham Forest’s Next Star?
Why Dan Ndoye Could Be the Perfect Anthony Elanga Successor — and a Whole Lot More
In the ever-evolving chessboard of the Premier League transfer market, Nottingham Forest may be about to make one of the more quietly shrewd moves of the summer. The club have reportedly submitted an official bid for Dan Ndoye, the Bologna winger who turned heads at EURO 2024 and has quickly emerged as a priority target to replace Anthony Elanga.
With Napoli circling and a handful of other European clubs expressing interest, Forest are hoping to beat the competition by acting fast. As per multiple reports, Ndoye has already given the green light to join Forest and work under manager Nuno Espírito Santo, leaving only the transfer fee to be finalised.
But is Ndoye just a like-for-like Elanga replacement — or could he be something even more valuable for a club looking to step up in the Premier League hierarchy?
Let’s take a deep dive into what makes Dan Ndoye a standout signing, how he compares to Elanga, and what Forest fans can expect if he arrives at the City Ground.
🕵️♂️ Who Is Dan Ndoye?
Born in 2000 in Nyon, Switzerland, Dan Ndoye is a 24-year-old winger of Senegalese descent who came through the youth systems at Lausanne-Sport and OGC Nice before making a move to Italy with Bologna. Initially viewed as a raw but promising talent, his physical attributes and tactical adaptability quickly made him a favourite under manager Thiago Motta, who is known for demanding a lot from his wide players.
Ndoye is naturally a right-sided winger but has also played on the left and as a forward. His versatility is a huge asset — but what’s made him so appealing to clubs like Forest is his unique combination of:
Blistering speed
Dribbling flair
Strength in duels
High defensive work rate
Intelligent off-ball movement
Add to that a successful run at EURO 2024, and you have a player ready for the next leap in his career.
🇨🇭 EURO 2024: Where the World Took Notice
Until recently, Dan Ndoye was flying under the radar — known more among Italian football fans and analysts than the global stage. But EURO 2024 changed everything.
Ndoye’s performances for Switzerland were nothing short of eye-catching. In matches against top opposition, he consistently troubled defenders with his direct running, close control, and tactical maturity.
📰 Reuters on Ndoye:
“With his startling pace and ability to ride out tackles, unheralded Swiss newcomer Dan Ndoye has put himself on a few radars at Euro 2024.”
He reached a top speed of 35.6 kph (22.1 mph) during the tournament, which made him the third-fastest player at the competition — faster than France’s Kylian Mbappe, who is considered one of the fastest players in world football.
Ndoye was also among the top five in successful dribbles, joining a group of elite players that included Ousmane Dembélé and Jérémy Doku. These aren’t just quick players — they’re relentless 1v1 threats who can turn matches on their own.
⚡ Pace, Power, and Precision: Ndoye vs Elanga
With Anthony Elanga now gone or heading out the door, fans are understandably wondering: is Dan Ndoye a downgrade, a sideways move — or an upgrade?
📈 Speed Showdown: Elanga vs Ndoye
Player Top Speed
Anthony Elanga ~35.8 kph (Premier League 23/24)
Dan Ndoye 35.6 kph (EURO 2024)
Elanga, known for his explosive runs and breakaway goals — like his brilliant solo goal vs Manchester United — was one of the fastest players in the Premier League last season. He hit just 0.2 kph faster than Ndoye, which places them in virtually identical speed brackets.
The difference? Elanga often relied heavily on his pace, whereas Ndoye combines speed with:
A lower centre of gravity
Greater physical resilience in duels
More defensive discipline
Stronger positional awareness
This makes Ndoye more suited to multiple systems — including pressing, possession, or counterattacks.
📊 Offensive Output
Let’s compare their most recent full seasons in league play:
Metric Anthony Elanga (Forest, 23/24) Dan Ndoye (Bologna, 23/24)
Appearances 31 34
Goals 5 6
Assists 6 9
Goal Contributions 11 15
Dribbles per 90 (approx.) 2.4 3.1
Key Passes per 90 1.2 1.5
Tackles per 90 0.8 1.7
Ndoye not only contributed more goals and assists but was also more involved in build-up play and more committed defensively. This is especially important for a side like Forest, who often require their wide players to track back and help double up on overlapping full-backs.
🧠 Tactical Fit: What Nuno Espírito Santo Might See in Ndoye
Nuno Espírito Santo is known for favouring compact shapes and defensive discipline, but he’s also shown a willingness to adapt tactics to suit personnel.
In the 2023/24 season, Forest relied heavily on counterattacking football. Elanga’s role was to stretch the pitch, beat defenders in transition, and run in behind. But there are growing reports that Nuno may want to evolve Forest’s approach, becoming more balanced in possession, particularly at home.
This is where Ndoye becomes the perfect hybrid option.
🚦 If Forest Stick with the Counter:
Ndoye offers Elanga-like pace
Excellent at carrying the ball over long distances
Can finish off transitions or create overloads on the break
🧱 If Forest Switch to Controlled Possession:
Ndoye is more composed in tight areas
Willing to combine with midfielders and full-backs
Comfortable receiving the ball to feet
Can still beat a man with a burst of speed or trickery
Nuno is also a manager who values hardworking, two-way players, and Ndoye’s commitment to tracking back, pressing high, and defending from the front makes him a tactically responsible signing.
🔮 What Can Forest Fans Expect?
If this move materializes — and all signs suggest it’s close — Forest fans will be getting:
🧬 A Physical and Tactical Upgrade
Slightly less raw pace than Elanga, but more balance, physicality, and intelligence.
🌍 European Pedigree
Experience in Serie A and EURO 2024 — against the best defenders in Europe.
🎭 A Versatile Attacker
Can play multiple roles across the frontline.
Adaptable to system changes mid-game.
📣 A Fan-Favourite in the Making?
Ndoye plays with energy, emotion, and intent.
His fearlessness and flair make him a player that excites fans and frustrates defenders.
📌 Final Verdict: Smart Business or Missed Opportunity?
On paper, Dan Ndoye represents a very smart bit of business by Nottingham Forest — if the fee is right. In a Premier League market where wingers with pace and end product are going for north of £40–60 million, Forest may land one of Europe’s breakout talents for a fraction of the price.
Ndoye might not (yet) have the name recognition of Elanga or the flash of a Mbappe or Doku, but based on data, performance, and tactical suitability, he could end up being an even better fit for Forest’s next chapter.
Now, it’s down to the Forest board to get the financial side sorted — because once that happens, fans at the City Ground might be about to witness the emergence of their next cult hero.