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£34m signing Ndoye’s qualities under scrutiny at Nottingham Forest

Dan Ndoye’s potential remains debated as Nottingham Forest consider his future after a challenging season following a £34 million transfer.

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£34m signing Ndoye’s qualities under scrutiny at Nottingham Forest
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Dan Ndoye has yet to meet expectations at Nottingham Forest despite a £34 million move in the summer of 2025, even as he continues to perform well for Switzerland ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The winger’s future at the Premier League club is uncertain amid suggestions of an early exit.

Ndoye’s early impact and subsequent struggles

After leaving Serie A side Bologna, where he played a key role in their Coppa Italia victory by scoring the winning goal against AC Milan, Ndoye attracted significant interest. Nottingham Forest secured his signature on a five-year deal, overcoming competition from other clubs.

Ndoye started the 2025-26 season positively, scoring on the opening weekend against Brentford and netting again in Forest’s first European home match against Midtjylland on October 2. However, his domestic form has since declined sharply, with limited starts and a drop in confidence amid managerial changes at the club.

Assessing Ndoye’s strengths and potential

Philippe Senderos, a fellow Swiss and former professional, highlighted Ndoye’s attributes in an interview with GOAL, emphasizing his speed, power, and ability to excel in transitions. Senderos said, “He’s good in transitions, he runs, he’s a real out-and-out winger and he has the legs and the power to go past people.”

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Senderos also noted the instability at Forest this season, citing the impact of four different managers. He expressed optimism that with greater stability, Ndoye could find a better position and continue to develop, adding, “He’s got a great character, he’s someone that is willing to learn and adapt.”

Future options amid Premier League challenges

Ndoye has scored three goals in seven appearances for Switzerland this season and is included in their squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America. This tournament could serve as a platform for him to attract interest from other clubs, particularly in Italy, where several teams are reportedly monitoring him.

Senderos commented on the difficulty of settling in the Premier League, describing it as “ruthless and very, very competitive,” but expressed a preference to see Ndoye succeed in England. He acknowledged Ndoye’s effectiveness in Serie A, saying, “With his power and pace, he can make a lot of damage in Italy - and he has done in his time in Bologna.”

Nottingham Forest’s transfer considerations

With Forest having avoided relegation, the club’s manager Vitor Pereira is expected to seek new signings to enhance the squad’s pace and creativity on the wings during the upcoming transfer window. This approach could result in Ndoye being sold as the club aims to reinvest funds to strengthen the team under owner Evangelos Marinakis’s leadership.

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