🌟 Strategic Context – Why Forest Need a Replacement Fast
Nottingham Forest were rocked by the surprise £55 million sale of Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United, leaving them urgently short on width and pace heading into the new season . The deal underlines the need for a swift replacement who can both attack and create in the wide areas.
Forest had also considered Johan Bakayoko, but he opted for RB Leipzig instead. Now, Dan Ndoye has emerged as their priority—and possibly their replacement for Elanga .
🇨🇭 Dan Ndoye’s Rise: Player Profile and 2024/25 Season
📈 Growth and Statistics
In the 2024/25 season, Ndoye made 30 Serie A appearances, scoring eight goals and playing a vital role in Bologna’s Champions League qualification .
Across all competitions, he recorded nine goals and six assists, culminating in his winner in Bologna’s historic Coppa Italia final victory—ending a 51-year drought .
🧩 Style and Characteristics
At 24 years old, he blends technical ability, positional awareness, and one-on-one flair rather than raw pace.
Equally comfortable on both flanks or playing centrally, he offers tactical versatility—a trait valued by Forest’s manager, Nuno Espírito Santo.
His finishing ability and creativity in tight spaces contrast with Elanga’s straight-line speed-led gameplay.
🤝 Transfer Landscape – Prices, Competitors & Negotiation Status
💰 Bologna’s Valuation
Bologna reportedly rejected multiple approaches—including a €20 million offer from Napoli in January—insisting his value is at least three times what they originally paid (around €10–12m) .
By June, reports suggest Bologna is asking for €45 million plus bonuses, with Napoli and Borussia Dortmund among the clubs interested .
⚽ Competition from Napoli
Napoli have long tracked Ndoye and resumed talks with Bologna in early June, attempting to push for a deal around €40m plus bonuses, though Bologna remains firm .
Recent meetings between Ndoye’s agent and Napoli confirm interest remains active, though they may shift focus to other targets if no breakthrough is made .
🏹 Forest’s Position
With Ndoye said to have given the green light to a move to the Premier League, all that remains is a deal with Bologna. Forest appear ready to pursue him aggressively before costs escalate further .
Given their previous model, Forest could structure a deal with add-ons or sell-on clauses to align with financial parameters.
🩺 Injury Update: What Happened During Pre‑Season?
In a pre-season friendly against Virtus Verona on July 20, 2025, Ndoye was injured just 20 seconds into the game following a strong tackle. He was replaced by the fourth minute, walking off unassisted .
Reports indicate this was precautionary, and there’s currently no evidence of a long-term issue .
📣 Post‑Injury Frustration
Although quotes like “I’m done here” have circulated in media outlets, those appear reactionary—not official statements—and likely reflect frustration rather than injury severity.
✅ What This Means
Forest’s medical teams will want clarity before committing to the fee—though current info suggests the injury is minor.
If confirmed fit, Ndoye remains a viable addition in terms of both immediate impact and resale value.
🔄 Comparative Analysis: Ndoye vs. Elanga
Attribute Dan Ndoye Anthony Elanga
Age 24 22
2024/25 Goals 8 (Serie A), 9 (all comps) 7
2024/25 Assists ~6 ~8
Peak Strengths Flair, dribbling, creativity, positional flexibility Explosive pace, straight-line threat
Weaknesses Slightly less speed, needs adaptation to EPL Final third decision-making consistency
Market Valuation €40–45m plus incentives £55m (Elanga’s transfer realized by Forest)
Tactical Suitability Fits wider tactical roles Direct winger, counterattack specialist
Ndoye offers a more cerebral, technical style compared to Elanga. While he won’t replicate Elanga’s sheer speed, his versatility and flair could introduce a new dimension to Forest’s attack.
✳️ Summary & Strategic Recommendations
Forest clearly view this as a pivotal signing. With Elanga sold, Ndoye favoured by the player, and if the minor injury does not develop into something serious, securing the transfer promptly makes strategic sense.
Key Indicators:
Ndoye wants the move and sees the Premier League as the next step .
Bologna remain firm on a €40–45m valuation—with add-ons.
Napoli remain in the mix but may focus elsewhere if costs grow.
The injury appears non-serious, but it adds a short delay pending medical feedback.
🧠 What Could Derail the Deal?
A persistent injury issue—even if minor—could raise doubts.
A late bid from Napoli or Dortmund meeting Bologna’s demands could close the door on Forest.
Forest’s own stance on structure or willingness to stretch budgets may prove decisive.
📅 Next Steps – What to Watch
Monitoring medical updates on Ndoye’s condition over the next few days.
Any signs of fresh targeting—Forest may move for alternatives if delay continues (e.g., Manchester City’s McAtee, though expensive, is also being considered) .
Negotiation progress: whether Forest can agree a fee close to £40m (€45m) with suitable add-ons.
📌 Bottom Line
Nottingham Forest are now at a critical juncture. The departure of Elanga, Ndoye’s willingness, the competitive pressure from Napoli, and Bologna’s firmness on valuation—all point to a complex but urgent transfer process. If the injury proves inconsequential and negotiations proceed smoothly, Forest may secure a technically gifted and flexible winger with long-term upside.