Nottingham Forest winger Dilane Bakwa is prioritising a move to Ipswich Town over Stade Rennais this summer. The 23-year-old, who joined the Reds last year for €35m, failed to score in 24 appearances last season, contributing just two assists in 967 minutes. His struggles have led to interest from both Ipswich Town and the Ligue 1 side, but Bakwa sees the newly promoted Premier League club as the more attractive option.
Why is Bakwa leaving Nottingham Forest?
Bakwa’s time at the City Ground has been underwhelming. After a promising start at Bordeaux and Strasbourg, he failed to make an impact in England, with French media questioning Nottingham Forest’s decision to sign him. His €28m valuation and €345k monthly wages make him a costly asset, and the club may be open to offloading him if the right offer comes in.
What’s the obstacle for Stade Rennais?
Stade Rennais face financial hurdles in signing Bakwa. His high salary and contract until 2030 make him an expensive target, and the French club are reluctant to disrupt their wage structure. They’ve already signed Enzo Mayenda, and unless Ludovic Blas leaves, a deal for Bakwa seems unlikely. Ipswich Town, meanwhile, have a clear advantage in negotiations.
What’s next for Bakwa and Nottingham Forest?
With Bakwa prioritising Ipswich Town, Nottingham Forest may need to find a replacement if the transfer goes through. The Reds finished 16th in the Premier League last season with 44 points, narrowly avoiding relegation. Their recent form (DLDWW) suggests they need reinforcements, especially in attack, where they scored just 48 goals while conceding 51. Their next fixture, away at Ipswich on October 24, could be a key indicator of their progress.
