Anthony Elanga. (AMA/Getty Images)
Anthony Elanga has been one of Nottingham Forest’s standout players since joining from Manchester United for £15 million in the summer of 2023.
In his first season, Elanga’s goals were vital in keeping Forest in the Premier League. The following campaign, he raised his game further, helping the club to an unlikely seventh-place finish and a historic qualification for European competition.
But now, Elanga is set for a big-money move.
Newcastle United are reported to have agreed a deal worth up to £60 million to sign the Swedish winger—potentially making him their second-most expensive signing ever, behind only Sandro Tonali.
Elanga is expected to sign a five-year contract at St. James’ Park, with a medical reportedly imminent after Forest granted permission for the move to go ahead. While Nuno Espírito Santo’s side were reluctant to lose him, the size of the offer ultimately proved too tempting to reject.
Forest Eye Johan Bakayoko as Top Target
So how do Forest plan to replace their star forward? According to a new report from The Telegraph, the club have turned their attention to Johan Bakayoko of PSV Eindhoven.
The Belgian international is seen as a key target, and Forest are preparing to open talks with the Eredivisie champions over a deal that could exceed £30 million—potentially setting a new club-record transfer fee.
Bakayoko’s versatility and output make him a natural fit. He can operate as a traditional winger or drift inside as a creative forward, and his stats back up the hype.
In the 2023/24 season, he registered 14 goals and 14 assists across all competitions, playing a major role in PSV’s Eredivisie title win and earning the Eredivisie Young Player of the Year award. The following season, he contributed 12 goals, including a memorable strike against Liverpool in the Champions League, and added three assists as PSV defended their crown.
Among Bakayoko’s biggest admirers is Belgium teammate Romelu Lukaku, who recently praised the 22-year-old’s sky-high potential.
“If he continues merging his creative flair with his scoring record, he’s on track to become a top-tier player,” said Lukaku. “His potential knows no bounds. I sincerely think he has what it takes to surpass me in the long run.”
With Elanga on the way out and Forest aiming to build on their recent momentum, Bakayoko could be the perfect successor—if they can move quickly enough to beat the competition.
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