Dan Ndoye is facing growing criticism in Italy after a disappointing first season with Nottingham Forest, while former club Bologna appear increasingly comfortable with life after his departure.
The winger arrived at Nottingham Forest last summer amid significant excitement following an impressive spell in Serie A, where he had helped Bologna secure historic success.
However, the move has not developed as expected.
Ndoye scored on his Premier League debut and assisted in his second appearance, but he has failed to contribute another league goal involvement since then and has not started a match in 2026.
Italian criticism growing around Dan Ndoye
Italian newspaper Il Resto del Carlino have now reflected on Bologna’s season while highlighting how little the club appear to miss the Swiss international.
The report revisited Ndoye’s important role in helping Bologna win the Coppa Italia last season — the club’s first major trophy in 51 years — before noting how quickly circumstances changed after his move to England.
The newspaper pointedly described the winger as now being “a regular on the bench” at Nottingham Forest.
Having followed Forest’s attacking instability throughout the campaign, Ndoye’s struggles have reflected wider issues inside the squad. Frequent tactical adjustments, inconsistent form and injury disruptions have made it difficult for several attacking players to establish momentum.
Still, expectations surrounding the winger were considerably higher after his performances in Italy.
Interest from Inter during the January transfer window already hinted that Serie A clubs believed his situation in England could become unstable quickly. At the time, however, Forest were never likely to sanction a sale so soon after signing him.
Bologna continuing successful rebuild model
Bologna, meanwhile, appear increasingly satisfied with the transfer outcome.
The club have developed a strong reputation for selling key players before reinvesting effectively into the squad structure. Previous departures involving Joshua Zirkzee and Riccardo Calafiori were handled similarly, with replacements quickly integrated into the system.
That cycle now appears to be repeating after Ndoye’s exit.
The rise of Jonathan Rowe during 2026 has eased the impact of losing the Swiss winger, while Bologna continue operating competitively despite transitional changes across the squad.
| Stat (2025/26) | Dan Ndoye |
|---|---|
| Premier League appearances | 28 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Starts in 2026 | 0 |
source: sofascore match data – 13 May 2026
From Bologna’s perspective, the transfer increasingly reflects the club’s ability to maximise player value at the right moment before reinvesting strategically.
However, it remains too early to completely dismiss Ndoye’s future in England given the difficult circumstances surrounding Nottingham Forest’s season overall.
What’s next?
Ndoye is expected to reassess his situation carefully during the summer, particularly if his role at Nottingham Forest remains limited heading into pre-season.
A return to Serie A could eventually become attractive if Italian clubs reignite interest after the campaign concludes. Forest, meanwhile, may need to decide whether the winger still fits their long-term attacking plans after a frustrating first year in the Premier League.
For now, Bologna’s recruitment model appears to have protected them once again from the impact of a major sale.
Should Dan Ndoye stay and fight for his place at Nottingham Forest, or would a return to Serie A help revive his career faster?
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