Dilane Bakwa set to return to Ligue 1 with Lille after choosing Forest exit

Dilane Bakwa is set to join Lille on loan from Nottingham Forest after choosing the Ligue 1 club ahead of interest from Hull City, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

The 23-year-old Franco-Congolese winger had several options available to him, but has opted for Lille’s project despite an approach from Hull City. The English club, known as the Tigers, had contacted Nottingham Forest to discuss the terms of a possible deal for the former Girondins de Bordeaux player.

Bakwa has now been given permission by Nottingham Forest to complete his move to the north of France, with the transfer expected to be formalised shortly.

The proposed switch would give Bakwa the opportunity to return to a league he knows and continue his development in familiar surroundings. Lille are also expected to offer him the prospect of regular first-team football, while his pace, direct running and ability to create danger from wide areas could strengthen their attacking options.

Bakwa joined Nottingham Forest after leaving Strasbourg and remains under contract with the Premier League club until June 2030. A loan spell with Lille would represent the next stage of his career and could help him regain momentum after a period in which he has been seeking greater consistency.

His market value is estimated at 28m euros. In England, Bakwa earns an annual income of 4,221,857 euros, equivalent to 2,744,207,050 FCFA.

The winger began his senior career with Girondins de Bordeaux before moving to Strasbourg and subsequently continuing his career in England with Nottingham Forest. His likely return to France would allow him to compete again in Ligue 1 while remaining tied to the English club on a long-term contract.

For Lille, the deal would provide an opportunity to add a young wide player with the pace and attacking aggression to make an impact on the flanks. Bakwa’s decision also means Hull City will miss out on a player they had identified as a potential addition to their squad.

Nottingham Forest are due to face Leeds United in the second round of the EFL Cup shortly. Betting company 1xBet lists Nottingham Forest as the favourites for that match at odds of 2.05, with a draw priced at 3.20 and a Leeds United victory at 3.10.