Nottingham Forest are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Ligue 1 star Dilane Bakwa from RC Strasbourg.
The Reds are set for their first campaign back in Europe since the 1995/96 season after qualifying for the UEFA Europa League.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side seem to be strengthening for the upcoming 2025/26 campaign and have been busy this summer. Forest have made 10 signings so far this window, bringing in the likes of James Mcatee from Manchester City, Omari Hutchinson from Ipswich Town and former Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.
It seems Forest are still looking to strengthen their squad, with the Reds advancing in a deadline day signing for RC Strasbourg winger Dilane Bakwa.
Bakwa has come on as a substitute in all three Ligue 1 matches for Liam Rosenior’s side this season, scoring once and assisting three times.
Forest in advanced talks for Bakwa
According to John Percy, Nottingham Forest are in advanced talks to sign RC Strasbourg winger Dilane Bakwa.
The Ligue 1 side are reportedly wanting £35 million plus add-ons for the winger, who has been a long-term target for the Reds.
Bakwa may not be the only deadline day arrival, with Botafogo’s Cuiabano reportedly completing a medical ahead of a move to the City Ground.
If both deals are completed, they would mark Forest’s 11th and 12th signings of the window. The Reds have already signed Igor Jesus, Jair, and John Victor from Botafogo, along with Dan Ndoye, Angus Gunn, Omari Hutchinson, James McAtee, Arnaud Kalimuendo, Douglas Luiz, and Nicolo Savona.
How did Bakwa fare last season?
Bakwa was a key player for RC Strasbourg last season under Liam Rosenior as the French side qualified for the UEFA Conference League.
The 23-year-old played a crucial role in Ligue 1, making 30 appearances, scoring six and assisting nine as Strasbourg finished seventh.
Bakwa did not get the chance to continue his form in the Coupe De France. The France U21 international picked up five minutes in the fifth round as Rosenior’s side won 5-3 on penalties against ES Thaon, with Bakwa scoring the fourth penalty.
Overall, Bakwa was one of Strasbourg’s key players last season, making 31 appearances in all competitions, scoring six and assisting nine as the French side qualified for the Conference League.
Would this be a good signing for Forest?
It was an impressive 2024/25 campaign for the Reds as they finished seventh in the Premier League and qualified for the Europa League.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo may hope to build on from last season and compete for the Europa League. However, to do this, they may need to strengthen their squad this summer.
The Reds have done this throughout the window, adding extra quality all over the pitch. However, one area they may need to strengthen is on the wing, and one player who could add some more quality is Dilane Bakwa.
In Ligue 1 last season, Bakwa scored six and assisted nine for Strasbourg, showing his ability to bring in goals and assists.
The winger also showed his ability to drive the ball forward and pose a threat. Last season in Ligue 1, Bakwa averaged 3.14 carries into the final third, as well as 2.03 key passes per 90.
The 23-year-old is also versatile, being able to operate on both flanks. This gives Nuno the option to utilise him in different styles, which could depend on tactical reasons or to help ease fitness concerns.
At 23, Bakwa could be seen as a long-term option for Forest as well as someone who could make an impact and be a key player for the Reds now.
This could be a good signing for Forest, as they would be acquiring a young, exciting winger who can bring in goals and assists, and add more depth to their attack.