Ernest Poku: Nottingham Forest weigh move for Bayer Leverkusen winger amid £21m valuation

Nottingham Forest are exploring a move for Bayer Leverkusen winger Ernest Poku, with the Premier League club monitoring the Dutch Under-21 international’s situation in Germany, according to reports in the German media.

Leverkusen are understood to be open to selling the 22-year-old, but only if they receive an offer of at least €25m (£21m), a figure first reported earlier this month by Kicker. Poku, who is of Ghanaian origin, completed his first season in the Bundesliga last term and has now emerged as a target for clubs in England.

German outlet BILD reports that several Premier League sides have shown interest in the wide player, but Nottingham Forest are the only club specifically named. Forest, now coached by Olivier Glasner, are believed to be in a strong financial position to bid following the high-profile sale of midfielder Elliot Anderson to Manchester City for €135m.

Forest interest builds after Glasner impressed

Glasner, who took charge at the City Ground this summer, is said to have been impressed by Poku’s displays during his debut Bundesliga campaign. The Austrian coach is reportedly keen to add pace and directness in wide areas, with Poku fitting that profile.

Poku joined Bayer Leverkusen in mid-2025 from AZ Alkmaar for a fee of about €10m. At the time of his arrival, Erik ten Hag was still in charge of the German club, but he was dismissed only a few weeks later, altering the context in which the young winger was attempting to settle.

The Dutch youth international made a promising start in Leverkusen colours, delivering a strong first half of the season. However, after the winter break his involvement diminished significantly, with Poku spending much of the second part of the campaign on the bench.

Competition for places at Leverkusen

Leverkusen’s decision to strengthen in attack has further complicated Poku’s prospects of regular football. The arrival of winger Afonso Moreira has increased competition for places in the wide roles, leading the club to consider cashing in if their valuation is met.

While there is no indication yet that Forest have submitted a formal bid, the combination of Leverkusen’s willingness to sell, the set asking price and Forest’s recent windfall from the Anderson deal has created a realistic pathway for negotiations.

Forest’s recruitment strategy in recent seasons has involved targeting emerging talents with resale value, and Poku’s age, international pedigree at Under-21 level with the Netherlands and experience in a title-challenging Bundesliga environment are all factors likely to appeal.

For now, Leverkusen are holding firm on their minimum €25m demand, and Poku’s future appears to hinge on whether Forest – or any of the unnamed Premier League suitors – decide to turn their interest into a concrete offer before the end of the transfer window.