Newcastle United target Anthony Elanga sends message as Nottingham Forest departure confirmed
Newcastle United’s interest in Anthony Elanga has once again surged into the spotlight amid growing speculation surrounding the Swedish winger’s future.
The 23-year-old, who enjoyed a standout season with Nottingham Forest, has drawn admiration from the Magpies following his influential role in Forest’s strong Premier League campaign.
Elanga’s performances—six goals and eleven assists in 38 appearances—helped guide his club to a seventh-place finish and a well-earned spot in the UEFA Conference League.
His pace, flair, and vision in the final third have made him one of the league’s most exciting young attackers, and Newcastle now appear eager to make another push for his signature.
Elanga’s future may be uncertain, but his character off the pitch remains evident. Following Nottingham Forest’s confirmation that left-back Harry Toffolo will depart when his contract expires at the end of June, Elanga shared a touching tribute to his teammate.
Through a heartfelt Instagram post, the Sweden international thanked Toffolo for their time together, describing him as both a talented footballer and an exceptional person.
The emotional message resonated with fans and highlighted the tight-knit bond Elanga had developed during his time at the City Ground.
While the winger focused on saying goodbye to a teammate, Newcastle have been quietly preparing another approach to bring him to St James’ Park. Last summer, the Tyneside club made a late attempt to secure Elanga’s services with an offer believed to be around £35 million.
That bid was unsuccessful, but the Magpies haven’t backed away from their admiration. This time, however, the price tag will be significantly higher.
Forest reportedly value Elanga at close to £60 million, and any formal talks are expected to start only if Newcastle come forward with a bid north of £50 million.
Elanga arrived at Nottingham Forest in July 2023 after leaving Manchester United for a fee of £15 million. Since then, he has blossomed into a consistent and dangerous presence on the wing, blending electric pace with a growing maturity in decision-making.
His improvement has not gone unnoticed by Eddie Howe and the Newcastle recruitment team, who view him as a player perfectly aligned with their long-term vision.
At 23, Elanga fits the age profile the club targets—young enough to develop further, but experienced enough to contribute immediately. Adding to the appeal is his positive relationship with Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.
The two share a national team connection with Sweden, and their chemistry could prove valuable if united at club level.
Elanga is not the only attacker catching Newcastle’s eye this summer. Brighton’s Joao Pedro is another name heavily linked with a move to the North East.
The Brazilian forward has impressed since arriving in English football, initially making waves at Watford before sealing a record £30 million move to Brighton in 2023.
At the Seagulls, Pedro has continued his upward trajectory, netting 30 goals and delivering 10 assists across 70 appearances. His ability to operate across the frontline and deliver in high-pressure moments has made him a top target for Newcastle, who have been monitoring his progress for years.
Newcastle’s interest in both Elanga and Pedro underscores a broader strategy of targeting high-ceiling players capable of injecting new energy and competition into the squad.
With European football back on the horizon and expectations rising, manager Eddie Howe has openly acknowledged the need to be active in the upcoming transfer window.
Speaking to the media, Howe stressed that the club must embrace change if they are to keep pace with the Premier League’s top contenders. He admitted that recruitment had slowed in recent windows and suggested that now is the time to reinvigorate the squad.
While it remains to be seen how many new signings Newcastle will complete this summer, the intent is clear. The club recognizes the importance of evolving, both to meet competitive demands and to maintain a healthy squad dynamic.
Securing a player like Elanga—who combines Premier League experience with the potential for further growth—would be a major statement. And should a deal for Pedro also materialize, it would signal Newcastle’s ambition to assemble one of the most dynamic attacking units in the division.
As the summer unfolds, fans can expect continued speculation and movement behind the scenes.
Whether or not Newcastle meet Forest’s asking price for Elanga, their renewed pursuit reveals a club eager to strengthen, refresh, and position themselves as serious contenders in both domestic and European competitions.
The message is clear: Newcastle United are no longer just watching from the sidelines—they’re ready to act.