After earning £55 million from Anthony Elanga’s departure to Newcastle United, Evangelos Marinakis has acted swiftly in making acquisitions, and realised that retaining Morgan Gibbs-White will be a vital attraction for incomings.
This latest marquee signing at The City Ground signals ambition in abundance and mitigates the threat of Forest slipping down the standings.
Ndoye, 24, has penned a deal of £35 million plus add-ons of approximately £4 million.
Nottingham Forest left fellow suitors Napoli in their wake and snapped up the winger.
However, Ndoye always had his sights set on the Premier League even though Napoli have been shaping up nicely to defend their Serie A title.
Despite Bologna achieving Europa League football next season following a historic Coppa Italia triumph in which Ndoye scored in the final, the winger has expressed how England’s domestic top flight reigns supreme to build his platform and progress his career.
Speaking to Nottingham Forest's media team, he said, "One of my dreams has always been to play in the Premier League. I had a good season last season and I think it’s the best time to arrive in this league.
"The Premier League is the best of the best and there isn’t one easy match in this league. You need to be at the top level every week and every match which is another big reason why I came here.
"I want to progress and improve my qualities and I know this is the best place to do that.
"To play with European football back at the City Ground is going to be special, I’m just so excited to start, to see the fans and hopefully score some goals here."
Forest were on the verge of losing arguably their two most influential players in terms of their attacking threat and lethal transitional play.
Elanga’s move has materialised, yet Gibbs-White’s contract extension, albeit reinforcing Marinakis’ bold and assertive ownership approach, was received with great relief among the Garibaldi contingent, as reports of the midfielder's transfer to Tottenham Hotspur waned.
Brazilian striker Igor Jesus was added to Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad and he has been granted minutes in a Forest shirt in their recent pre-season outings in Portugal before their season kicks off against Brentford on Sunday 17th August.
He joined alongside his Botafogo teammate Jair Cunha, who was evidently a strong candidate in Forest’s bid to strengthen their defensive resolve, which was the cornerstone of their season and points haul.
Forest could now boast a young and fluid front line once Jesus and Ndoye are integrated.
Callum Hudson-Odoi will likely remain settled in his favoured left-wing position and a versatile Ndoye will adopt his position on the right flank.
Nottingham Forest achieved Conference League football thanks to their 7th place finish and Ndoye has previously played in the competition.
He has been won over by the forward-thinking vision and Ndoye could also see his new club as serious contenders to take home silverware.
Forest are seeking stability ultimately by refusing to budge from the top half of the Premier League, and promptly plugging the gap with Ndoye when Anthony Elanga was offloaded restores depth in the attack.
"The Forest project is so ambitious, just as I am. It was the perfect moment for me to progress my career and come here.
"I saw the great season the Club had last season and I want to bring my qualities to the team and to continue being ambitious with this Club.
"Every decision that I take, I take it with my family and we have spoken a lot about what is best for me and we were all in agreement that Forest was the best. They are really proud, just as I am to have them here with me."
