Dan Ndoye says his Nottingham Forest adaptation has been smooth since his €42m summer transfer from Bologna, admitting his lifestyle has changed significantly but insisting he already feels at home in England. The Swiss winger, who arrived in the Premier League after two years in Serie A, has settled quickly under Nuno Espirito Santo and now Ange Postecoglou, delivering one goal and one assist in his first six matches.
The 23-year-old told Swiss outlet 20 Minuten that the transition to life in Nottingham has been easier than expected, particularly given the reputation English football has among new arrivals. “My life has changed a lot compared to my previous stint in Bologna,” Ndoye said. “But I feel very comfortable and recently found a house. The infrastructure here is perfect for adapting to the Premier League.”
Forest fans have already taken to their big-money signing, who has impressed with his pace and willingness to drive at defenders. The winger’s comments also highlight a growing sense of stability at the City Ground after a turbulent few seasons. Could Ndoye be the piece that elevates Forest from survival mode to mid-table security?
Why Dan Ndoye’s Nottingham Forest adaptation matters
Forest’s spending power has been scrutinised in recent windows, and the €42m paid for Ndoye raised eyebrows. Yet his early performances have offered encouragement. Unlike many players arriving from Serie A, he has not struggled with the Premier League’s physicality or intensity. Instead, Ndoye emphasised the tactical differences between the two leagues.
“Serie A is very tactical,” he explained. “In England, you practically don’t have a second to stop and think during a game. Everything is much faster – even the challenges are harder.”
The winger’s ability to adapt so quickly could prove crucial as Forest look to avoid another relegation scrap.
Ndoye on food, lifestyle and transfer fee
Interestingly, Ndoye has had no issues with one of the most common hurdles for players moving to England — the food.
“I miss it (the food) a little, but the food here is also very good. Serie A is very tactical… but in England everything is faster. Do I think about the transfer fee? No, not really. I focus on football and what I can influence.” — Dan Ndoye, 20 Minuten
That refusal to be weighed down by his price tag reflects the winger’s confident personality.
| Stat (2025/26) | Dan Ndoye |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 6 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Pass Accuracy | –% |
source: sofascore match data – 25 September 2025
Ndoye’s modest return of one goal and one assist in six games hints at promise. His stats may not yet leap off the page, but his direct play and pressing intensity have made him a valuable outlet on Forest’s right flank.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Ndoye’s early adaptation shows why Forest invested heavily:
“Ndoye offers something Forest badly needed — pace and width with end product. He’s still raw, but the fact he’s already contributing goals and assists shows he’s finding his feet quickly. His comments about food and lifestyle might seem trivial, but they’re indicators of a player comfortable in his environment, and that matters hugely in the Premier League.”
William added: “If Postecoglou continues to give him licence to attack, Ndoye could be one of the breakout performers of the season. The key will be consistency — producing week in, week out, not just in flashes.”
Key Insights
- Dan Ndoye says “my life has changed” since his €42m move to Nottingham Forest.
- He has adapted quickly, scoring one goal and assisting once in six appearances.
- Ndoye says the infrastructure in England has helped his transition.
- Surprisingly, he praised English food, saying it was “very good.”
- Refuses to let his transfer fee affect him, focusing only on performance.
What’s Next for Nottingham Forest and Ndoye?
Forest face a challenging run of fixtures leading into October, including clashes with Newcastle and Aston Villa. Ndoye’s ability to provide width and pace on the counter will be vital against sides that dominate possession.
Long-term, his adaptation could justify the hefty price tag. If he continues to grow under Postecoglou, Ndoye might not just be a survival signing but a player who propels Forest into the Premier League’s safer mid-table bracket.
👉 Should Nottingham Forest fans expect Dan Ndoye to be the signing that finally stabilises the club in the Premier League?
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