Dylan Bakwa is gradually regaining his confidence after a challenging start at Nottingham Forest. The 24-year-old Frenchman is making a significant impact during his loan spell at Lille, tallying three goal involvements in his first six games.
Bakwa made the move to Forest from Strasbourg in the summer of 2025 for a fee exceeding £30 million, but he struggled to establish himself in the squad.
After netting 12 goals and providing 19 assists in 71 Ligue 1 matches, expectations were high for him to make an impact. However, his time in England took a different turn.
He found himself with limited playing time, often deployed not just in attack but also as a full-back. Consequently, he was sent on loan to Lille for the 2026/27 season.
In France, he has quickly found his form. In his first six matches, Bakwa scored two goals and provided one assist, helping Lille climb to second in the league.
In the latest round, it was Bakwa’s goal that secured a 1-0 victory against Le Havre.
He struck just five minutes into the match, but his contribution went beyond the goal. Over the 90 minutes, he created one clear-cut chance, successfully completed six progressive passes, and consistently attempted take-ons.
Defensively, Bakwa also put in a shift, winning six tackles, reclaiming possession six times, and engaging in 23 duels on the ground.
This versatility could particularly catch the eye of Oliver Glasner.
In Nottingham Forest's current setup, the flanks are occupied by Neco Williams and Daniel Munoz, yet Bakwa offers the flexibility to operate on either side while contributing more offensively.
If he maintains his current form, Forest could find themselves with a ready-made option to bolster their flanks next summer—without needing to splash out on a new signing.
