Nottingham Forest place £51m Liverpool-linked gem on shortlist to replace Elanga

Nottingham Forest need to crank up their search for new forward players, with Anthony Elanga set to leave the club very soon.

In an early pre-season bombshell, Newcastle have agreed to buy Elanga, with Forest set to receive £55 million plus a string of add-ons to take it to £60 million.

Forest have been linked with Johan Bakayoko from PSV to replace him, with the Reds needing to bolster Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad as a matter of urgency.

Forest have signed Igor Jesus already this summer, with more players now desperately needed, especially in the attacking areas of the pitch.

• READ MORE: Nottingham Forest should bid for Chelsea star

Nottingham Forest still want Malick Fofana

According to John Percy writing for The Telegraph, Fofana remains on the shortlist of winger targets as far as Forest are concerned, although clubs are in the mix.

Liverpool are keen to sign Fofana and it’s also been claimed that Lyon value the player at £51 million – although their financial misdemeanours might sway a cheaper deal.

Fofana was the subject of an accepted bid from Forest, Fabrizio Romano claimed, although it was previously claimed that he wanted to see what else was out there first.

Fofana won’t be playing for Lyon in Ligue 2 next year and perhaps the club will wait to see what division they will be in next year before making any calls.

The 20-year-old has made 62 appearances for the French giants, scoring 15 goals and registering seven assists during his time at the club.

Fofana would be a risky signing

With Elanga so integral to Forest, it’s important that whoever comes into the club makes a pretty immediate impact in replacing the void.

However, Fofana might not be capable of doing that, given that he’s only played in France and Belgium during his short career to date.

The only way this would prove a viable signing is if the financial situation at Lyon tempts them into lowering the current price tag, allowing Forest to get themselves a bargain.

It feels like the search for a new winger will be a drawn-out process and hopefully, the recruitment team have some plans in place.

‘Monumental upgrade’… Nottingham Forest fans switch up after hearing who could replace Anthony Elanga

Nottingham Forest have agreed a deal to sell Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United.

After two years at Nottingham Forest, Anthony Elanga will join Newcastle United in a £55m deal, which includes £5m in extras.

Elanga has established himself as one of the best wide players in the Premier League over the last couple of seasons.

The Sweden international registered 18 goal involvements last term and will certainly be very difficult to replace.

However, fans believe the club may have found an upgrade after the latest rumour emerging out of the City Ground.

• READ MORE: Nottingham Forest fans have a lot to say about selling Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United

Nottingham Forest fans think Johan Bakayoko is an upgrade on Anthony Elanga

Nottingham Forest are set to open talks to sign Johan Bakayoko, who is valued at around £30m by Dutch giants PSV.

Bakayoko was on Forest’s radar last summer and is clearly admired by Nuno Espirito Santo.

Supporters have taken to X, formerly known as Twitter, to react to the transfer rumour and they’re all saying the same thing.

Monumental upgrade,” @Estewow posted.

“Huge replacement Top recruitment,” @Hatib147 commented.

@NFFC_EPL added: “Big signing if we pull this off – exciting talent Bakayoko for Elanga with 20+ mil to use on other signings. Hope we can get this one wrapped up.”

@ImJamieMartin said: “Cooking. For those worried about losing Elanga, please remember the staff who brought him to the club… Trust the process – it got us back to Europe!”

“I remember him ripping us apart in a friendly a few years ago. Sangare played also,” @forestlads explained.

“Would love him. Every time I’ve watched him play he has looked quality but unfortunately I can’t see him coming to us,” @mjgrace82 admitted.

Bakayoko stats 2024/25

Bakayoko enjoyed a pretty productive season for PSV, registering 15 goal contributions across all competitions.

• 47 appearances
• 12 goals
• 3 assists

The 18-cap Belgium international’s underlying data is really impressive, too, as he ranks in the top one per cent for progressive carries per 90 compared to his positional peers across Europe, as per FBref.

He also sits in the top one per cent for progressive passes received, evincing his willingness to make forward runs, which will certainly suit Forest’s style of play.

So, all the data suggest he’d be a top signing for the Tricky Trees and one that’d leave money in the bank to strengthen other areas.