Anthony Elanga’s anticipated £55M move to Newcastle delay by Panthera switch?

Anthony Elanga’s anticipated £55 million move to Newcastle United appears to be in a holding pattern, and while all parties remain optimistic about a successful outcome, the delay now seems tied to off-pitch developments that have added complexity to the negotiations.

After initial reports suggested that Newcastle and Nottingham Forest were nearing an agreement for the Swedish winger, the momentum behind the deal appeared to stall.

Speculation grew, and updates became increasingly vague, with sources like Luke Edwards referencing “slow progress” but without attributing the delay to either of the two clubs involved.

Behind the scenes, however, a significant shift may explain the sudden pause. Elanga has parted ways with his former representatives at CAA Stellar, a high-profile agency with established ties to Newcastle United, and is transitioning to Panthera Sports.

While agent changes are not unusual in modern football, their timing can be particularly disruptive when major transfer talks are underway.

The switch brings Michael-Moses Jarman into the frame as Elanga’s new agent, replacing David Lockwood, who previously handled negotiations on the winger’s behalf.

This change complicates matters, not necessarily in a negative sense, but in terms of procedural delays. When players change agencies mid-negotiation, new agents typically reassess contract terms, demand revised structures, and negotiate from their own starting point, even if prior agreements were close.

Panthera Sports will naturally want to secure the best financial and career package for their client and, by extension, their own interests. These adjustments take time and may require Newcastle to reengage over aspects that had already been discussed with CAA.

The fact that CAA still represents several Newcastle-linked players—including goalkeeper Nick Pope, summer transfer target James Trafford, and young forward Will Osula, who is close friends with Elanga—initially gave the Magpies an edge in navigating the personal terms component of the deal.

That advantage has now shifted. Elanga, now the most high-profile client on Panthera’s books, joins a group that includes players such as Arnaut Danjuma and Ilias Chair, which signals that his new agents are keen to elevate their profile by finalizing one of the summer’s marquee transfers.

While Elanga’s desire to join Newcastle remains undisputed, the revised negotiation process adds another layer to an already intricate deal.

The transaction itself involves more than just player and club agreement. It includes personal terms, image rights, agent fees, the structure of payments, and a sell-on clause owed to Manchester United Elanga’s former club which complicates the financial breakdown. Add in a mid-deal agent change, and delays become not only understandable but inevitable.

Another consideration in the equation is Nottingham Forest’s own strategy. Even if a broad agreement over the fee has been reached, Forest may hesitate to finalize Elanga’s departure before they make progress on bringing in a replacement.

With the market already inflated and selling clubs aware that Forest could suddenly have an additional £55 million to spend, rushing to complete the deal without a fallback in place could leave them vulnerable.

From a business standpoint, it makes sense for Forest to move cautiously and discreetly as they position themselves to reinvest in their squad.

Patience, however, is wearing thin among supporters who have waited through several underwhelming transfer windows and a summer that has already seen setbacks in pursuits of other targets.

But the club’s leadership is playing a long game—one that demands precision, not panic. Newcastle’s offer gives Elanga the opportunity to play in the Champions League, reunite with national teammate Alexander Isak, and develop under Eddie Howe’s guidance. These incentives remain powerful tools in keeping the deal alive.

Ultimately, while the silence surrounding Elanga’s transfer may feel frustrating, it reflects the complexity of modern football transactions.

With all major elements reportedly in place except for final approval from the new agents and formal club sign-offs, the outcome still looks promising.

However, it will take a bit more time—and perhaps a few more negotiations behind closed doors—before Anthony Elanga officially pulls on the black-and-white shirt at St James’ Park.