Nottingham Forest target Ernest Poku from Leverkusen

Nottingham Forest have emerged as contenders to sign Ernest Poku from Bayer Leverkusen following the club's record-breaking sale of Elliot Anderson to Manchester City.

According to reports in Germany, Forest are among several Premier League clubs monitoring the Dutch winger, with Bayer Leverkusen prepared to sanction a transfer if their valuation is met.

The Tricky Trees are expected to strengthen their attack this summer and now have significant funds available after Anderson's £116 million departure.

German outlet BILD reports that Nottingham Forest have expressed interest in signing Poku ahead of the new Premier League season.

New Forest manager Oliver Glasner is said to have been impressed by the 22-year-old during his debut Bundesliga campaign and has identified him as a potential attacking addition.

While several Premier League clubs are believed to be monitoring the winger, Forest are currently the only club named as a concrete suitor.

Earlier this month, reports suggested Bayer Leverkusen would consider selling Poku if an offer of at least €25 million is received.

The Dutch winger joined the Bundesliga club from AZ Alkmaar in 2025 for around €10 million, but his long-term future is now uncertain.

Leverkusen's recent signing of winger Afonso Moreira has increased competition for places, making Poku's departure a realistic possibility.

Poku enjoyed an encouraging start to life in Germany, impressing during the first half of the campaign.

However, opportunities became more limited after the winter break, with the winger spending more time on the substitutes' bench.

Across the season, Poku made 29 league appearances, scoring five goals and providing five assists, highlighting his ability to contribute in the final third despite reduced playing time later in the campaign.

Nottingham Forest's transfer budget has received a major boost following the £116 million sale of Elliot Anderson to Manchester City.

The club are expected to reinvest part of that fee into strengthening Oliver Glasner's squad, with attacking reinforcements among the priorities before the transfer window closes.

Poku's pace, direct dribbling and potential make him an attractive option as Forest prepare for another Premier League campaign.

Nottingham Forest are expected to assess whether to formalise their interest in Ernest Poku as Bayer Leverkusen await suitable offers. With significant transfer funds available, Forest could move quickly if they decide to pursue the Dutch winger.