Leeds United leading race to sign Franco-Congolese winger Dilane Bakwa

Leeds United are reportedly in a strong position to secure the signing of Strasbourg winger Dilane Bakwa, with the Premier League side prepared to meet the French club’s financial demands.

The 22-year-old Franco-Congolese player, who is under contract with Strasbourg until June 2027, has become one of the most sought-after names of the summer transfer window.

Nottingham Forest have already tabled a formal bid worth €31m excluding bonuses, but Leeds are believed to be edging ahead in the race.

According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Leeds, who earned promotion back to the Premier League this season, are prepared to pay €35m to secure Bakwa’s signature.

That figure would match Strasbourg’s valuation and position the club as favourites to land the highly rated winger.

Bakwa’s reputation has risen sharply following impressive performances in Ligue 1, where he established himself as one of the standout young talents.

Despite Transfermarkt currently valuing him at €25m, interest from English clubs has driven his potential transfer fee significantly higher.

Nottingham Forest, however, are reportedly unwilling to concede defeat in their pursuit of the dynamic winger and are expected to continue discussions.

The competition for Bakwa’s signature underlines his growing stature as one of the most promising young African players in European football.

The French-born winger, of Congolese descent, has become a key figure at Strasbourg and his development has attracted widespread attention from clubs across Europe.

His pace, creativity, and technical ability have made him a valuable asset, prompting both Leeds and Forest to intensify their efforts in what could become one of the biggest transfer battles of the window.

For Leeds, securing Bakwa would represent a major statement of intent ahead of their Premier League return.

The club is keen to strengthen its attacking options as it looks to re-establish itself in the top flight, and Bakwa’s signing would signal ambition and investment in young talent with long-term potential.

Strasbourg, meanwhile, find themselves in a strong negotiating position with Bakwa tied down until 2027, allowing them to command a substantial fee for one of their prized assets. The ongoing talks are expected to continue in the coming days, with both clubs eager to reach an agreement before the close of the window.

With negotiations heating up and Leeds reportedly ready to meet Strasbourg’s price, Bakwa’s future looks increasingly likely to be in the Premier League.

Whether Nottingham Forest can match Leeds’ offer or persuade the winger to join their project remains to be seen, but the race for his signature is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched stories of this transfer period.