Newcastle Aim Big With Eyes on Anthony Elanga
Newcastle United aren’t wasting any time showing their intent for the new Premier League season. The club put a bold £45 million offer on the table for Anthony Elanga, only for Nottingham Forest to swiftly shut it down. Forest made their message clear—they won’t let their Swedish winger go unless the price hits £60 million. The transfer window is barely open and drama is already building.
If you’ve been following Elanga’s rise, you know why he’s attracting big money. The 23-year-old arrived at Forest from Manchester United last year for a reported fee of £15 million. Considering his incredible progress since then, Forest’s new valuation doesn’t sound quite as wild as it did a year ago. Elanga has become one of the most exciting wingers outside the Premier League’s so-called “big six,” racking up 11 goals and 20 assists over 74 league games. Forest supporters have come to rely on his speed, direct play, and ability to set up goals from nothing.
Newcastle’s interest isn’t new. They’ve had their eye on Elanga since last summer, but Forest have stayed stubborn. Still, Newcastle has a strong hand to play. They can dangle the lure of Champions League football and a potential partnership with fellow Swede Alexander Isak. For a player who’s always looked hungry for the big stage, that’s a hard offer to ignore.
Forest’s Next Move and Newcastle’s Back-Up Plan
Here’s where things get interesting: while Forest have insisted Elanga isn’t for sale, they’ve been busy on the transfer front themselves. Forest are close to snapping up Timothy Weah from Juventus. The American winger plays a similar role to Elanga, so fans are left wondering—could Forest be preparing for a future without one of their stars?
On Tyneside, there’s no time to waste waiting for an answer. Newcastle is lining up alternate targets to avoid getting caught out. Joao Pedro and James Trafford are both on their radar, showing they’re not just looking for firepower but also reinforcing between the sticks. After all, returning to the Champions League means depth is no longer just a luxury; it’s a must.
Forest’s gamble in holding out for Anthony Elanga to fetch a top price could pay off if a bidding war erupts, but it also risks unsettling a talented squad if Elanga’s head gets turned. Meanwhile, for Newcastle, with ambitious owners pouring resources into Eddie Howe’s management, the expectation is that transfer targets like Elanga could be the difference between scraping by in Europe and actually competing.
With weeks left in the window and big money still being waved around, the chess match between Newcastle and Forest is far from over. Both clubs are determined to come out stronger on the other side, and fans are watching every move with a mix of hope and anxiety. The saga over Elanga’s future might just be getting started.
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