Newcastle Agree £55m Deal for Forest’s Anthony Elanga: Here’s Why It Makes Sense for Everyone
Newcastle United are finally opening their transfer wallet and they’re going big. The Magpies have agreed a £55 million deal with Nottingham Forest to sign Anthony Elanga, with the move expected to be wrapped up later this week.
For Eddie Howe, this isn’t just another flashy purchase. It’s a move that’s been brewing for over a year.
Elanga’s Rise and the Magpies’ Plan
At just 23, Elanga has quietly turned into one of the most effective wide players in the Premier League. Last season, he bagged six goals and delivered 11 assists for Forest, helping Nuno Espirito Santo’s side punch above their weight and secure European football for the first time since the 90s.
Pace. Skill. Power. And that classic burst-from-the-wing style. It’s no surprise that Howe has had his eye on Elanga for the past 12 months. With Champions League football back on the menu at St. James’ Park, Newcastle need more than just depth, they need options that can actually swing big matches.
And now Howe gets his man.
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What It Means for Newcastle
This is Newcastle’s first major paid signing of the summer, with their only other addition being 18 year-old Antonio Cordero from Malaga, on a free. So Elanga, with his top-level experience and Premier League pedigree, steps in as a serious upgrade.
He joins an already competitive group of wingers that includes Anthony Gordon, Jacob Murphy, and Harvey Barnes. Elanga isn’t walking into a guaranteed starting role, but that’s the point. Newcastle want options, they want rotation, and they want firepower from the bench if needed.
That’s exactly what Elanga brings to the table.
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What It Means for Forest
Let’s be clear, Forest didn’t want to sell. But every club has a price point, and Newcastle hit it. They’re pocketing a £40 million profit after signing Elanga from Manchester United for just £15 million back in 2023.
Not bad business at all.
The move doesn’t stem from player pressure either. Elanga didn’t push to leave. He was happy at Forest, and there was a genuine plan to keep him. But with Newcastle flashing the cash and offering Champions League football, the decision essentially made itself.
Former boss Steve Cooper was the key figure in bringing Elanga to the City Ground in the first place, convincing him to turn down Everton with the promise of playing time and development. It worked. Elanga flourished.
Nuno Espirito Santo had also stressed the importance of keeping the squad together. After all, they finished seventh in the league and earned a ticket to Europe. But when one of your top assets can be flipped for a record sale, there’s only so much you can do.
The Bigger Picture
Whether this move signals a reshuffle in Newcastle’s wide areas remains to be seen. The club insists none of their top players are for sale this summer, but a big-money arrival always sparks questions.
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For now, though, Elanga joins as a top-tier reinforcement. A player who can keep defences honest, stretch the pitch, and give Newcastle a serious edge in both domestic and European battles.
One thing’s for sure, this isn’t the last move we’ll see from the Magpies this summer.
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