Ernest Poku: Nottingham Forest eye move for Leverkusen winger

Dutch-Ghanaian winger Ernest Poku of Bayer Leverkusen is being linked with a move to Premier League side Nottingham Forest as the Bundesliga club consider interest in the 22-year-old. The right-sided attacker, currently under contract at Leverkusen until 30 June 2030, has emerged as a potential target for Forest as they assess wide options for the new season.

Poku, who was born in Hamburg and represents both the Netherlands and Ghana at nationality level, joined Leverkusen from AZ Alkmaar in August 2025 for a €10m fee. His market value has since risen sharply to €25m, reflecting his progress in Germany and Leverkusen’s strong negotiating position with four years still remaining on his deal.

The winger has already adapted to the Bundesliga, making 29 league appearances for Leverkusen and contributing five goals and five assists in the competition. He has also gained early exposure to European knockout football, featuring in both the Europa League and Champions League for the German club.

Before leaving the Netherlands, Poku came through the youth ranks at AZ and was part of the generation that delivered silverware at academy level, lifting the UEFA Youth League in 2022‐23. His rise from youth prospect to regular top-flight contributor has attracted attention from clubs in major leagues, with Forest now exploring whether a deal could be done.

With Leverkusen in a position to demand a significant fee and no release clause suggested, any move would likely require Forest to come close to the winger’s current valuation, while Poku remains tied to the Bundesliga side on a long-term contract.