Leeds United were claimed to be back in the running to sign Dilane Bakwa from Strasbourg alongside Nottingham Forest in recent days, but the Reds have pressed on with their interest.
After 5-0 defeat to Arsenal on Saturday, Leeds have responded by reinforcing their defence with the arrival of James Justin from Leicester City on an initial £8million fee.
Between now and next Monday’s deadline, Leeds need investment in their attack to add more bite and creativity.
Most Read on LeedsAllOver
Leeds United’s Dilane Bakwa ‘interest’ suffers Nottingham Forest blow
Having secured the signatures of Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin to strengthen the attack earlier in August, Leeds need more, and Strasbourg’s Dilane Bakwa has been a long-standing target this summer.
However, Nottingham Forest have been spending big and Bakwa has also been on their radar, lodging a bid earlier in the summer.
(REUTERS/Christian Hartmann)
Sacha Tavolieri revealed over the weekend that Leeds were “leading the race” to sign the Frenchman over Forest, only for a more recent update revealing Evangelos Marinakis’ Forest have lodged an improved bid amounting to €35million (£30.2million).
That bid has been rejected by the Ligue 1 side as they prepare for their Europa Conference League qualifier this Thursday, but Bakwa has made his feelings clear about moving to the City Ground with personal terms agreed:
🌳 More on Dilane Bakwa to Nottingham Forest exclusive. I understand that this €27,5M+€7,5M bid made the week-end by Nottingham Forest has been rejected but #NFFC's continuing the dialogue in order to make this deal happen. #RCSA aware of Bakwa's desire. Personal terms agreed. pic.twitter.com/RmQ62AUYEU
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) August 25, 2025
Leeds United would need hugely convincing offer to beat Forest to Bakwa
Bakwa looks to be costing a near-club-record fee for Leeds if they are to pursue a move, and if they wish to get him signed, they need to make that offer very soon.
Forest is currently a more attractive proposition on face value as they prepare for the Europa League, but the fact they’ve signed Dan Ndoye, James McAtee, and Omari Hutchinson who all play largely off the right as Bakwa does should raise question marks.
When or where does he play in this strong Forest attack? He’d be a nailed starter at Leeds, as much as we’re in a much worse standing.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!