As Elliot Anderson continues his meteoric rise to England stardom, Nottingham Forest are wasting no time in preparing for life after their midfield talisman. With Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City all reportedly circling the 23-year-old, Sean Dyche has identified a potential successor in the heart of the Danish Superliga.
According to TEAMtalk, the Tricky Trees have officially submitted an enquiry for FC Nordsjaelland’s sensation, Caleb Yirenkyi. However, the race for the 20-year-old is becoming crowded, with Arsenal, Tottenham, and United also keeping tabs on the Ghanaian starlet.
The £22m Midfield Dynamo
Yirenkyi won’t come cheap. Having recently signed a contract extension until 2030, Nordsjaelland are in a strong position and are expected to demand at least £22m to sanction a sale.
For Forest, this move is as much about survival as it is about progression. Sitting just three points above the relegation zone, Dyche needs consistent performers. While Anderson has been the standout with a 7.44 FotMob rating, the burden on his shoulders is immense. Yirenkyi offers a similar profile: a well-rounded “engine room” operator with a creative spark.
“Crazily Good”: The Scouting Report
The hype around Yirenkyi is backed by those who see him daily. Teammate Amoako Junior recently labeled him “crazily good,” noting that he delivers a “top-level” performance in almost every game.
Yirenkyi’s Impact (2025/26 Season):
- Attacking Output: 2 goals and 5 assists in 18 Superliga matches.
- All-Round Performance (vs Sonderjyske): 1 goal, 1 assist, 6 ball recoveries, and a 78% pass accuracy.
- Versatility: Equally comfortable breaking up play as he is providing the final ball.
The Verdict: A Necessary Gamble?
Elliot Anderson has clocked 2,250 minutes this term the joint-highest in the squad. Replacing that kind of reliability is nearly impossible mid-season, which is why Forest are acting early for the summer.
Whether Anderson stays or goes, the acquisition of Yirenkyi would be a massive statement of intent from INEOS and the Forest board. He is a “superstar” in the making, and if the Reds can beat the “Big Six” to his signature, they might just secure their midfield for the next decade.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
