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On March 22, 2025, Nottingham Forest made headlines with a bold £20 million bid for Schalke 04’s prolific forward Moussa Sylla, signaling their intent to strengthen the squad for the 2025/26 season. The 25-year-old Malian striker has been a revelation in the 2. Bundesliga, scoring 13 goals in 19 appearances this season, establishing himself as one of the league’s top marksmen. Forest, currently enjoying a stellar campaign in the Premier League and pushing for European qualification, are evidently planning ahead to maintain their momentum.
Sylla’s rise at Schalke since joining from Pau FC in 2024 has been meteoric. His pre-season haul of seven goals set the tone, and his brace against 1. FC Nürnberg in January only heightened his profile. Despite a recent muscle injury sidelining him for a few weeks, his value has soared, with Schalke reportedly valuing him well above Forest’s £20 million offer—especially after rejecting a £12 million bid from Bournemouth earlier this year. Forest’s move reflects their ambition under Nuno Espírito Santo, who has transformed the Reds into a competitive force this season, highlighted by wins over Manchester City and Liverpool.
The £20 million bid, while substantial for a Championship side turned Premier League contender, underscores Forest’s proactive approach in the transfer market. With the summer window looming, the club aims to secure Sylla’s explosive pace and finishing prowess to complement their attack, especially as they face potential interest in their own stars like Chris Wood, linked with Arsenal and Newcastle. However, Schalke, unbeaten in their last five matches and chasing promotion, may resist mid-season disruption, particularly given Sylla’s pivotal role.
Fan reactions are electric, with Forest supporters buzzing on social media about the prospect of landing a “game-changer,” while Schalke fans brace for a tense negotiation period. The transfer’s success hinges on Forest’s willingness to meet Schalke’s higher valuation, rumored to be closer to £25 million, and Sylla’s own ambitions. As the clock ticks toward the transfer deadline, Nottingham Forest’s £20 million gambit for Moussa Sylla marks them as a club unafraid to flex their financial muscle, setting the stage for a blockbuster summer move—or a dramatic January tug-of-war.
