The 2025/26 season at the City Ground will be remembered as one of the most turbulent “soap operas” in Nottingham Forest’s modern history. Between four different head coaches, a grueling relegation battle, and the high-pressure demands of a European campaign, it was a year that pushed every player to their absolute limit. Among those caught in the storm was Swiss winger Dan Ndoye, who has finally spoken out about his difficult debut campaign in the Premier League.
After arriving with a massive £34-35 million price tag last summer, expectations for the Bologna recruit were sky-high. However, the adaptation to English football proved to be a brutal reality check. Managing just two goals in all competitions, Ndoye found himself struggling for minutes and confidence, leading to rampant speculation that Forest might be looking to cut their losses and offload him to Italian giants like Inter Milan or Roma.
The Brutal Reality of the Premier League
Speaking to Blick ahead of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ndoye was refreshingly honest about why the move didn’t go to plan.
”I knew that the move from Serie A to the Premier League wouldn’t be easy. It always takes some time to adjust,” Ndoye admitted. “But in the end, it was more difficult than I had anticipated. Sure, I haven’t scored as many goals in the Premier League as I had hoped. There have been difficult moments, as well as periods when I played less. But unfortunately, you can’t control everything.”
The winger was quick to point to the “managerial chaos” at the club as a major hurdle. With four different managers at the helm throughout the season, finding tactical consistency was impossible. It wasn’t until Vitor Pereira arrived in February that the squad finally found the stability needed to secure their Premier League status and make a run to the Europa League semi-finals.
A Future in Doubt?
Despite the persistent rumors linking him with a quick exit back to Italy, Ndoye remains adamant that he is focused on his current deal. “I have a contract with Nottingham until 2030, and I’m fully focused on that,” he stated.
While he is currently prioritizing his international duty with Switzerland—where he hopes to showcase his trademark “lion” celebration on the biggest stage of all—the narrative surrounding his future at the City Ground is likely to dominate the headlines throughout June. Is he a player who has simply struggled to adapt to a chaotic environment, or is he a £35 million mistake that the club needs to move on from to fund their summer rebuild?
Hungrier Than Ever
For the Forest faithful, Ndoye’s honesty is a breath of fresh air. He hasn’t hidden behind excuses, nor has he pushed for a move despite a year that would have broken the resolve of many other young players. “I always gave my all and tried to perform at my best. I can’t blame myself. Because regardless of whether I’m playing or not, I’m always ready and work every day to be the best possible version of myself.”
As he prepares to head into the World Cup, Ndoye is clear: “It’s been a difficult year for me, but I’m hungrier than ever.”
Nottingham Forest fans, the verdict is out! Dan Ndoye admits the season was tougher than he expected, but he’s committed to his long-term contract. Do you think he deserves one more chance to prove his £35 million price tag under Vitor Pereira, or is it time to cash in and reinvest the money elsewhere? Sound off in the comments—let’s settle the debate! 👇
