Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Mon 1 June 2026 14:25, UK

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Nottingham Forest fans have been speculating about why their former player Anthony Elanga has sent a message to Dan Ndoye.

The Swede left the City Ground last summer to join Newcastle United in a deal worth around £55million.

And it would not be until later in the window that Nottingham Forest completed the signing of Ndoye for around £34m from Bologna.

Neither player has enjoyed a fruitful first season, with the pair scoring just three goals across all competitions between them.

There has been some speculation that Nottingham Forest transfer chiefs have been eyeing a way to get Elanga back to the City Ground this summer.

Anthony Elanga’s message to Dan Ndoye

Ola Aina hinted at Elanga’s return on social media last week, and the rumours have only continued to mount.

The winger was superb for Nottingham Forest last week, netting six goals and providing 11 assists in the Premier League alone.

Should the opportunity present itself, it would not be a surprise to see the forward return to the City Ground. Especially considering how poor his season has been at St James’ Park.

Some fans have speculated that a swap deal could be on the cards, with Ndoye going the other way. The Switzerland international scored on Sunday, but also endured a difficult first season at his new club.

The 25-year-old scored just twice in all competitions and also thrived in the season prior, albeit in Serie A.

The rumours grew to a new level when Ndoye posted on Instagram following the game in which he scored against Jordan, and wrote: “See you in America”.

Despite their Nottingham Forest careers having never crossed, and there seemingly being no other career link, Elanga commented on the post with “j’aime bien frérot”, which translates to “I really like you, bro”.

Nottingham Forest fans speculate over Elanga comment

Nottingham Forest fans who saw Elanga’s comment immediately started speculating about a potential swap deal.

Both sides could well benefit from the move, although the Tricky Trees would undoubtedly have to stump up some money as well, given the price differential.

One Nottingham Forest fan posted a screenshot of the interaction and questioned whether the pair had been talking.

Correct me if i’m wrong but there is no reason Elanga would know Ndoye right unless… 👀 (clutching at straws) #nffc pic.twitter.com/xoCqOwDxny

— RW (@reece9800) May 31, 2026

Elanga & Ndoye been talking about that swap deal have they 👀 pic.twitter.com/Q98wb09dsx

— YouuuuuuuReds 🌳🔴⚪️ (@YouuuuuuuReds) June 1, 2026

He wants it we want it, the clubs are apparently trying to get a swap deal sorted 😧

If this is true I’ll take every inch of it! #NFFC pic.twitter.com/ICxWlRCVTa

— jt (@rentfreejt) May 30, 2026

One of my mates thinks we’ll swap ndoye for elanga. What does everyone else think? #NFFC

— Igor’s Kamehameha (@GoatedGuyLol) May 31, 2026

Another speculated how Elanga and Ndoye know each other, given that their careers have never overlapped.

It remains to be seen whether a move can come to fruition, but there is no smoke without some fire.