Soccer Football - International Friendly - Hungary v Sweden - Puskas Arena, Budapest, Hungary - June 6, 2025 Sweden's Anthony Elanga in action with Hungary's Willi Orban REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo
Newcastle are in the market for a winger this summer, and now it is being reported that the club have made their first official move for a player they have had a long-term interest in.
Since the sale of Miguel Almiron in January, the Magpies have consistently been linked with moves for numerous Premier League attackers, including Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo and Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.
However, Delap has joined Chelsea on a six-year contract, and it has been reported that Mbeumo has chosen to go to Manchester United instead, with plans to command a £250k-per-week salary.
As a result, Newcastle will be looking elsewhere in their efforts to improve their attacking threat, which already boasts incredible Swedish striker Alexander Isak and England international Anthony Gordon.
At present, the only out-and-out right winger in the Tynesiders’ first team is Jacob Murphy, and although the 30-year-old has been a consistent contributor this season, he is not a long-term solution on the right flank.
According to Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope, Newcastle have reignited their interest and opened discussions with Nottingham Forest for their talented young winger Anthony Elanga.
In an exclusive revealed on Friday, Hope claimed that an enquiry had been made and the North East club are in the early stages of talks with the Garibaldi Reds.
The journalist has further added to his report today with a post on social media platform X:
“Newcastle have made an enquiry for Brighton’s Joao Pedro. Chelsea also interested. Anthony Elanga enquiry also in, but numbers could be big #nufc”
How much will Anthony Elanga cost?
There is no doubt that Elanga would tick several boxes for the Magpies and has been a player the club has admired for a long time which they attempted to act upon last summer.
Forest rejected a £50m Deadline Day bid from Newcastle in August last year, and it is expected a price tag will be a similar figure this summer if Newcastle intend to secure his services.
The 23-year-old Sweden international offers blistering pace and versatility as he can operate on both the right and left wing with ease, much like Gordon.
Not only that, Elanga – once hailed a “great talent” by Zlatan Ibrahimovic – already has a strong relationship with Isak and the experience of playing alongside the Newcastle striker on the international stage, making him a ready-made option for Howe to deploy next season.
Since making the £15m move from Man United to Forest in 2023, Elanga has netted 11 goals and provided an impressive 21 assists, averaging a goal contribution every 169 minutes.
His sharp eye for goal and knack for delivering the decisive pass highlight both his individual quality and growing understanding with teammates.
With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for Newcastle to sign Elanga this summer if Forest are open to the sale, as his experience and profile fits the culture of the club’s recent recruitment perfectly.
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