Dan Ndoye arrived at Nottingham Forest last summer as a £34 million statement of ambition, but the Swiss winger has struggled to justify that investment in the Premier League. After a bright start with goals against Brentford and in European action, the 25-year-old has faded from the spotlight—caught between managerial upheaval and diminishing opportunities at the City Ground. Yet according to fellow international Philippe Senderos, Ndoye possesses the exact attributes to thrive in English football if Forest can provide stability.
Transition Specialist With Pace to Burn
Senderos pinpointed the qualities that made Ndoye such a coveted target after his success at Bologna, where he netted the decisive goal in the Coppa Italia final against AC Milan—ending a 51-year wait for silverware for the Serie A club. "He's good in transitions, he runs, he's a real out-and-out winger and he has the legs and the power to go past people," Senderos told GOAL. The Swiss defender believes Ndoye's directness and athleticism suit Premier League football, but acknowledges that Forest's turbulent season has hampered his adaptation.
Four different managers have cycled through Nottingham in 2025-26, creating the kind of tactical chaos that derails young signings. Ndoye has found starting berths in short supply as a result, and his inability to impact games domestically stands in stark contrast to his form for Switzerland—three goals in seven appearances during international fixtures and a confirmed spot in the squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Stability Could Unlock His Potential
The core issue, Senderos suggests, is environmental rather than ability. "The Premier League is ruthless and very, very competitive," he explained, emphasizing that settling quickly in England is notoriously difficult. "At Forest, this season it's more like the overall season and how it went with the different managers from the beginning. It's not been really stable but I think if they find the stability, they would be able to put him in a good position."
Ndoye's character and willingness to learn offer hope for a turnaround, particularly with incoming manager Vitor Pereira tasked with freshening the squad. If Forest can harness his direct running style and pace in a cohesive system, he could yet become a dynamic presence on the wing. However, with the club eyeing reinforcements elsewhere and potential exits looming, Ndoye faces a defining window to prove his worth—or risk becoming another expensive Premier League casualty.
