Forest Set for Talks with PSV over Belgian Winger Following Elanga Exit Deal | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest Line Up Johan Bakayoko as Elanga Departure Nears Completion

Forest Pivot to PSV Star

Nottingham Forest are preparing to enter talks with PSV Eindhoven for Belgium international Johan Bakayoko, as reported by The Telegraph. The club are acting swiftly to reinforce their forward options with Anthony Elanga set to complete a record £55 million move to Newcastle United.

“Bakayoko, the Belgium international, is emerging as a top target for Forest with talks expected to open with the Eredivisie club over a potential move to the Premier League.” At just 22, Bakayoko’s profile fits the club’s evolving strategy under Nuno Espírito Santo, offering dynamism, versatility and high resale value.

The right-footed winger, who can operate on either flank or drift inside, is seen as a natural fit for Forest’s high-tempo transitional style. With Ramon Sosa heading to Palmeiras in a £10 million deal, and talks continuing over Callum Hudson-Odoi’s contract extension, Forest’s attacking reshuffle is already well underway.

Photo: IMAGO

Record-Breaking Transfer Fuels Summer Overhaul

The Elanga deal, if certain clauses are met, could be worth up to £60 million. That would eclipse Brennan Johnson’s £47.5 million transfer to Tottenham Hotspur in 2023, making the Sweden international Forest’s most lucrative sale to date.

While there was initial reluctance to part ways with Elanga, the offer proved too substantial to refuse. As The Telegraph notes, “Elanga was signed for just £13.5 million from Manchester United in July 2023,” making this an extraordinary return on investment in less than two years.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis has been heavily involved in negotiations. His direct role in driving the valuation speaks to the ambition at the top of the club, which now finds itself balancing financial sustainability with competitive targets in the Premier League and beyond.

Strengthening for European Football

Nuno Espírito Santo has made it clear that squad depth is essential this season. Forest are preparing for the possibility of European football and need a team that can handle its dual demands. Two wingers are on the manager’s list and Bakayoko’s technical quality, coupled with his experience in European competitions, makes him a standout candidate.

PSV are likely to demand upwards of £30 million for Bakayoko, which would represent a club-record signing for Forest. It signals the club’s readiness to reinvest smartly, using Elanga’s fee to build a more robust and balanced squad.

While Bakayoko is the priority, Lyon’s Malick Fofana remains an alternative. Both targets reflect Forest’s intent to focus on youth, adaptability and continental pedigree.

Photo IMAGO

Internal Moves and Stability Off the Pitch

Off the field, Forest have confirmed the appointment of Edu Gaspar as global head of football operations, a move that could streamline recruitment and performance strategy across the club. Meanwhile, Ola Aina has committed to a new three-year deal, bolstering the defensive unit.

Discussions are ongoing with Callum Hudson-Odoi, whose contract expires next summer. Retaining him would provide consistency on the flanks and maintain a core of Premier League-proven players as new arrivals settle.

Forest’s transfer plans feel deliberate, not reactive. With significant income generated and structural leadership reshaped, the next step is translating ambition into consistent results.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Nottingham Forest fans, the idea of losing Anthony Elanga so soon is difficult, but there is genuine excitement about Johan Bakayoko. The return on Elanga is huge and gives the club real financial muscle in the window, but supporters will be watching closely to see how it’s spent.

Bakayoko fits the bill. Young, technically sharp, with top-level experience at PSV and a full Belgian international. If Forest can land him, it sends a real message. Nuno wants his team to push higher in the league and be competitive in Europe, and this sort of signing would show serious intent.

There’s also confidence building off the pitch. Edu Gaspar joining is a huge step towards becoming a more modern, joined-up football operation. If Hudson-Odoi stays and someone like Fofana arrives as well, we could be looking at a wide attack that is both fast and flexible.

The key now is getting Bakayoko through the door quickly, before others start circling. Forest fans want to see a plan in place. So far, there are encouraging signs. This could be the summer the club moves into the next tier of ambition.