Nottingham Forest Suffer Huge Blow in the Race to Sign £17m Forward – Report | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest Face Setback in Pursuit of Johan Bakayoko

Nottingham Forest’s ambition to bolster their attacking ranks this summer has hit a stumbling block, as reports indicate Bayer Leverkusen have become frontrunners to sign PSV winger Johan Bakayoko.

Forest, looking to replace Anthony Elanga following his £55 million transfer to Newcastle, had identified Bakayoko as a prime target. The Belgian international, 22, has only one year left on his PSV contract, making him a highly attractive proposition on the market.

European Stage Appeal Not Enough?

Forest’s Europa League qualification this season was seen as a crucial bargaining chip. Competing with Bournemouth and Everton domestically, Forest could offer the European football Bakayoko is accustomed to. However, according to the Nottingham Post, European heavyweights are also circling.

The Mirror reports that Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Monaco are all expressing serious interest. Importantly, Bakayoko is said to prioritise fighting for trophies at his next club.

Photo: IMAGO

Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri adds that it is Leverkusen, under new manager Erik ten Hag, who have surged ahead. They have reportedly agreed personal terms on a five-year deal, with a transfer fee close to €20 million (£17.3 million) now under negotiation with PSV.

Bakayoko’s Rise Through PSV Ranks

Bakayoko’s trajectory at PSV has been remarkable. Signed at just 16, he was promoted to the first team by Ruud van Nistelrooy following the departures of Noni Madueke and Cody Gakpo. Since then, Bakayoko has cemented his reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting ball-carrying wingers.

Last season, he netted 12 goals and registered three assists across all competitions. The season prior, he recorded an impressive 14 goals and 14 assists. Across 131 appearances for PSV, Bakayoko boasts a combined 55 goals and assists, underlining his consistent impact.

Forest’s Transfer Challenge

For Nottingham Forest, the challenge now is evident. Competing financially and sportingly with Bundesliga powerhouses and ambitious Ligue 1 sides like Monaco is no small feat. While the Europa League is an alluring platform, the prospect of regular title pushes and Champions League football at Leverkusen or Dortmund may prove too tempting for Bakayoko to resist.

As the summer window progresses, Forest may need to pivot towards alternative targets to reinforce their wide options and maintain momentum ahead of their European campaign.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Nottingham Forest supporter’s perspective, this update is undoubtedly disappointing but not entirely surprising. Many fans had grown hopeful about the Johan Bakayoko links, especially considering his attacking stats and the void left by Elanga’s departure.

There’s no question Bakayoko would have elevated the side’s right flank. His ability to beat defenders and contribute goals would have given Forest an extra dimension in Europe. The club’s recruitment team has done well to identify players of his calibre, and the fact Forest were in the conversation speaks to how far they have come.

However, fans will also recognise the pull of Leverkusen. Under Erik ten Hag, with Champions League football and Bundesliga titles on the line, it’s a hard sell to compete with. That said, there’s still optimism. “We trust the board to bring in the right profiles,” one supporter shared. “If Bakayoko doesn’t come, we move on.”

Forest fans will now look keenly towards alternative signings, hoping the club’s ambition remains intact. This is a setback, yes, but not the end of the story.