Nottingham Forest agree shock deal for ‘top-level’ attacker, but there’s an immediate issue – journalist
Nottingham Forest Agree Surprise Deal for Rising Star Malick Fofana – But There’s a Catch
In a surprising twist in their summer transfer dealings, Nottingham Forest have reached an agreement to sign one of Europe’s most promising young wingers — but there’s still a significant obstacle before the transfer can be completed.
Forest have been actively pursuing reinforcements in wide areas, targeting at least two wingers to bolster their attacking options for the upcoming campaign. However, their search has so far been met with frustration, as several potential moves have fallen through.
A potential double swoop for Juventus duo Samuel Mbangula and Timothy Weah was swiftly ruled out. While talks with Mbangula initially appeared promising, Forest eventually pulled the plug on negotiations. Weah, on the other hand, showed no interest in joining the Premier League club, quickly quashing speculation of a two-player deal from Turin.
Despite those setbacks, the club has remained busy behind the scenes — and now, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Forest have struck a deal with French side Olympique Lyonnais to sign highly-rated Belgian winger Malick Fofana.
The 20-year-old forward is widely regarded as one of the brightest young attacking prospects in Europe. He is quick, intelligent on the ball, and already possesses an impressive end product for a player of his age. Forest’s move for Fofana comes at a time when Lyon, once a powerhouse in French football, are grappling with a financial meltdown. The club’s relegation to Ligue 2 has triggered an exodus of talent, and Forest have taken advantage of the situation.
With Ramon Sosa poised to leave Forest for Brazilian giants Palmeiras, the club is eager to find a new left-winger to provide competition and support for Callum Hudson-Odoi. Fofana fits the profile perfectly — young, dynamic, and full of promise.
However, while Forest and Lyon have agreed on the transfer fee, the deal is not yet complete. Fofana is believed to be waiting for offers from Champions League-level clubs, with Chelsea and Bayern Munich reportedly keeping tabs on the 11-goal winger. His reluctance to immediately commit to Forest stems from a desire to test himself at the very highest level of European competition — a stage where Forest, at least for now, cannot compete.
Should Forest succeed in convincing Fofana to agree to personal terms, it would represent a major coup for the club. Not only would they secure one of the fastest rising stars on the continent, but they would also inject pace, flair, and depth into their attacking line.
A Perfect Fit for Forest?
Fofana’s playing style bears striking similarities to that of Anthony Elanga, another young winger who has thrived at Forest. Like Elanga, Fofana combines blistering speed with technical skill and a growing end product. His ability to stretch defenses and operate on either wing would give Forest a new level of versatility and danger in wide areas.
Former Lyon head coach Pierre Sage, speaking to Ligue1.com in October 2024, had glowing praise for the Belgian prospect:
> “He’s a player with top-level potential. The next step is for him to start games regularly and maintain his level. Once he does that, it’s only a matter of time before he breaks through completely.”
Last season, Fofana made 41 appearances, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists, indicating his progress in becoming a more consistent attacking threat. His development trajectory points to even more growth, and a move to the Premier League — even with a club outside of European competitions — could accelerate that progression.
As things stand, Forest’s offer is on the table, and Lyon are ready to sell. The next steps will depend on Fofana himself — and whether the promise of regular Premier League football and a starring role under Nuno Espírito Santo is enough to sway him away from the bright lights of the Champions League.
For now, the Reds wait, hopeful that one of Europe’s brightest young talents chooses the City Ground as the next stage in his journey.