Newcastle United have launched a £55 million bid to signAnthony Elanga this summer, with Newcastle pushing to get the deal done. LWOF has rounded up five wingers that Nottingham Forest could look to sign this summer to replace the outgoing Swedish international.
Five Wingers Nottingham Forest Could Sign to Replace Anthony Elanga – Opinion
Malick Fofana (Olympique Lyon)
According to transfer expertFabrizio Romano, Forest have agreed a deal to sign Olympique Lyon winger Malick Fofana, but have so far been unable to agree on personal terms. The 20-year-old scored five goals and recorded four assists across 29 Ligue 1 appearances last season and made his international debut for Belgium in 2024.
With Lyon facing relegation to France’s second tier due to a series of financial issues, a fire sale could ensue this summer, meaning Fofana could be available at a cut price. The Belgian international is a direct, pacey winger who loves to take players on and make things happen, and is comfortable playing on either flank, making him an idealElanga replacement.
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However, Forestare likely to face significant competition for the 20-year-old’s signature, with Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Napoli all reportedly interested.
Johan Bakayoko (PSV)
Should Anthony Elanga depart Forest this summer, they will step up their interest in PSV’s Johan Bakayoko, according toThe Guardian. The 22-year-old winger, also a Belgium international, scored 12 goals in all competitions last season, including two in the Champions League, and would be a statement signing by Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
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Bakayoko is a joy to watch, capable of bypassing defenders with ease, and loves to cut in from the right flank onto his favoured left foot, making him an ideal partner for Forest’s Callum Hudson-Odoi, who frequently cuts in from the left wing. The Belgian possesses a powerful shot from distance and a knack for goalscoring, making him an exciting prospect for the Tricky Trees to consider this summer.
Baris Alper Yilmaz (Galatasaray)
A move for 25-year-old Turkish winger Baris Alper Yilmaz has long been rumoured, and Forest could look to bring the Galatasaray man to the City Ground this summer. Yilmaz enjoyed a productive 2024/25 season, scoring 14 goals in all competitions, and the forward can play anywhere across the forward line.
At 6’1” tall, the Turkish international offers a different profile to Elanga and has the work ethic and tactical awareness to be an important part of Nuno’s system. Galatasaray have reportedly set a £30 million price tag to sign the forward this summer, who has no shortage of potential suitors.
Jack Grealish (Manchester City)
Suggesting that Nottingham Forest could look to sign the most expensive English player of all time would have seemed ludicrous when Jack Grealish starred in Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign two seasons ago, but things have changed dramatically since. Whilst Forest confounded all expectations and qualified for European football last season, Grealish was limited to just seven Premier League starts, scoring one goal.
The £100 million man now finds himself outside of Pep Guardiola’s plans, and will be looking for a summer move to revitalise his career. The winger’s creativity, dribbling, and dynamism would make him a serious coup for Forest, but a move to the City Ground is not beyond the realm of possibility.
Harvey Elliott (Liverpool)
Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott has enjoyed a fantastic summer, scoring five goals and being named Player of the Tournament as England won the 2025 Under-21 European Championships. However, it appears that the 22-year-old’s future lies away from Anfield, with the attacker reduced to just 18 league appearances last season, and Forest would make an ideal destination.
A diminutive left-footed attacker who can play centrally and out wide, Elliott would be a slightly different option to Elanga, but his eye for goal and ability to create chances make him a constant threat.