🔴 Nottingham Forest’s Strategic Response to Elanga’s Departure: The Johan Bakayoko Pursuit

The news of Anthony Elanga’s imminent move to Newcastle United for a fee in the region of £55 million has created a significant moment for Nottingham Forest. Elanga, a player who has been one of the most exciting and consistent contributors to Forest’s attacking play over the past season, will be hard to replace. His 18 goal contributions across all competitions were pivotal in Forest’s survival in the Premier League and their qualification for European football, which underscores the pressure on Forest’s recruitment team to find a replacement that can replicate, and ideally improve upon, Elanga’s output.

Elanga’s departure represents the largest player sale since the exit of Brennan Johnson to Tottenham Hotspur. With such a high-profile exit, the club faces the difficult task of not only filling a critical position but also maintaining the momentum they’ve built in recent seasons. Forest has already demonstrated its ability to identify talent and recruit wisely, but this is a different challenge: replacing a player who has become such a key part of their attacking system.

Fortunately, Forest’s recruitment department, led by Evangelos Marinakis, the club’s chairman, appears to be prepared for this eventuality. The club’s efforts to strengthen its scouting network have been bolstered by the appointment of Edu Gaspar as the Head of Global Football, signaling Forest’s growing ambitions in both domestic and European football. This recruitment overhaul could not have come at a more opportune moment, as the club has already set its sights on potential successors for Elanga, with Johan Bakayoko emerging as the top target.

✅ Why Johan Bakayoko?

The Belgian winger, who plays for PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie, has long been on the radar of Forest’s scouting team. However, this summer represents a renewed focus on the 22-year-old, with Forest ramping up their push for the player as they look to rebuild after Elanga’s sale. Bakayoko’s name is one that has been linked with Forest in previous transfer windows, but it appears that this summer could be the one where the deal finally materializes.

A Proven Goal-Scoring Threat

One of the standout qualities of Johan Bakayoko that has drawn the attention of Forest is his ability to score goals — a quality that Forest will undoubtedly need to replace the production of Elanga. While Elanga has been instrumental in creating chances and providing assists, Bakayoko has a stronger goal-scoring record, which could be key for Forest moving forward. Over the last three seasons, Bakayoko has consistently shown an ability to find the back of the net, and even in his least productive campaign, he still outperformed Elanga’s best-ever season in terms of goals scored.

Physical Attributes and Playing Style

Bakayoko is a dynamic and direct winger, known for his speed and technical ability. While Elanga’s speed and creativity were integral to Forest’s counter-attacking style last season, Bakayoko has the ability to cut inside and take on defenders, offering a slightly different skill set. He is also left-footed, which means he can comfortably operate on the right wing, cutting inside onto his stronger foot, a role that many top wingers in modern football have thrived in. His adaptability makes him a perfect fit for the high-paced, direct football that Nuno Espírito Santo may wish to implement at Forest.

While Elanga was typically deployed as a traditional wide player, Bakayoko’s ability to play both as a winger and as an inside forward gives him more flexibility in the final third. As an inside forward, Bakayoko would operate closer to the center, allowing him to exploit spaces in the box and get more goal-scoring opportunities. His ability to be deployed in various attacking roles would offer Forest the option of switching tactics during games, depending on the opponent or the state of play.

A Versatile Attacker for the Modern Game

In modern football, attacking players who can perform multiple roles across the frontline are highly valued. Bakayoko fits this mold perfectly. His ability to be deployed both as a winger and as an inside forward gives Nuno Espírito Santo greater tactical flexibility. If Forest opts for a more fluid attacking setup, with wide players cutting inside and linking up with central attackers, Bakayoko’s versatility will prove invaluable. Moreover, his off-the-ball movement and intelligent positioning will allow him to link well with Taiwo Awoniyi and Morgan Gibbs-White, potentially forming a lethal attacking trio.

Furthermore, Bakayoko’s ability to contribute both in terms of goals and assists makes him an ideal replacement for Elanga, who was a major source of creativity for Forest last season. Bakayoko could complement Gibbs-White’s creativity and Awoniyi’s physical presence in the box, giving Forest a more potent attack, capable of scoring from various angles and situations.

🔍 Strategic Backing from Forest’s Recruitment Team

The club’s ability to secure Bakayoko will likely depend on several factors, not just the player’s willingness to move but also the tactical strategy that Edu Gaspar brings to the table. With the appointment of Gaspar, Forest’s recruitment team will now have greater global insight into talent identification, ensuring that the club targets the right players who fit into their evolving style of play.

Gaspar’s role as Head of Global Football places him at the forefront of Forest’s strategy to build a team capable of competing in both the Premier League and European competitions. The club’s qualification for European football is expected to be a major draw for potential signings like Bakayoko, who may be more willing to consider a move to a club that will provide him with the opportunity to play in prestigious competitions like the Europa Conference League or Europa League.

⚽ Tactical Implications: How Bakayoko Fits into Nuno Espírito Santo’s System

If Forest is successful in bringing Bakayoko to the club, it will likely signal a slight shift in their tactical approach under Nuno Espírito Santo. While Elanga played a key role in creating chances for others, Bakayoko’s stronger goal-scoring record could push Forest to adopt a more direct and clinical style of play. The Belgian’s ability to operate as both a winger and an inside forward could also lead to a more fluid attacking setup, with Forest playing a 4-3-3 or even a 4-2-3-1 depending on the opposition.

Tactical Fluidity and Attack

Bakayoko’s style of play would suit Nuno’s pressing game and fast transitions. His pace and directness would be perfect for Forest’s counter-attacks, with the team looking to get the ball forward quickly and take advantage of Bakayoko’s ability to stretch defenses. Forest could potentially play with a front three, where Bakayoko and Gibbs-White would interlink and swap positions, creating confusion for opposing defenders.

Additionally, Bakayoko’s ability to play centrally as an inside forward could allow Awoniyi to operate as the central striker, with the two playing in a fluid partnership. This would give Forest more attacking options, making them more unpredictable in the final third.

A More Goal-Focused Approach

Under Nuno, Forest may look to rely more heavily on players like Bakayoko who can provide a goal-scoring threat from wide areas. This shift could see Forest adopt a more direct attacking style, with Bakayoko cutting inside to shoot or lay off passes to central attackers. Forest’s reliance on quick transitions and counter-attacks could be enhanced by Bakayoko’s speed and finishing ability, ensuring the team is always a threat on the break.

🧠 Final Thoughts: Bakayoko as the Future of Forest’s Attack

In conclusion, Johan Bakayoko represents a tactical and strategic upgrade over Anthony Elanga. While Elanga’s departure leaves a significant hole in the team, Bakayoko has the potential to bring goals, versatility, and a more direct goal-scoring threat to the team. His ability to play in multiple attacking roles gives Nuno Espírito Santo the flexibility to adjust his tactics depending on the opponent and the flow of the game.

With the backing of Edu Gaspar and the ambition to challenge for a place in European competitions, Forest is taking a proactive approach to strengthen their squad. Signing Bakayoko would not only fill the gap left by Elanga but also bolster Forest’s attack as they aim to establish themselves as a strong force both in the Premier League and on the European stage.

If Forest can secure this signing, it would represent another step forward in their development, ensuring that the club remains competitive at the highest level. The fans will be eagerly awaiting this potential signing, and if completed, it will undoubtedly be a statement of intent from the club.