Anthony Elanga now sends 2-word message to Newcastle player on social media after interest

Anthony Elanga has become the center of renewed transfer speculation after Newcastle United reignited their interest in the Swedish winger.

What started as a quiet stir in the transfer market quickly gained traction when Elanga fueled the conversation with a subtle but telling interaction on social media.

With Newcastle now reportedly in talks with Nottingham Forest over a potential move, all eyes are back on a deal that nearly materialized a year ago.

Newcastle’s pursuit of Elanga isn’t new. The club attempted to sign the 23-year-old Sweden international during the summer window of 2024 but ultimately fell short in closing the deal.

This time around, they seem more prepared and determined to secure his signature early in the window. Discussions have already begun, though Nottingham Forest have made it clear they won’t part ways easily.

The Midlands club values Elanga highly and has reportedly set an asking price north of £50 million—a fee that would make him one of the most expensive players in Newcastle United’s history.

While negotiations remain in the early stages, Elanga’s own actions have added fuel to the speculation. On Friday night, just hours after reports of Newcastle’s renewed interest hit the headlines, Elanga took to Instagram to respond to a post from Newcastle striker William Osula.

The young forward had shared a collection of photos from a trip to New York City, and Elanga responded with a simple two-word comment: “My boy.” Though brief, the message resonated with fans and analysts alike, given the context of the transfer rumors.

It served as a subtle nod to his existing ties within the Newcastle squad and may be interpreted by many as a quiet endorsement of the move.

Elanga’s connection with Newcastle extends beyond Osula. He shares a well-documented friendship with fellow Swede Alexander Isak, who has previously spoken with him about life at St. James’ Park.

The presence of familiar faces, especially in a tight-knit squad like Newcastle’s, can often play a crucial role in a player’s decision to make a switch. For Elanga, the opportunity to reunite with Isak and deepen his relationship with Osula could be a strong motivating factor if and when the clubs agree on a fee.

It’s no secret that Newcastle are eager to bolster their attacking options as they prepare for the demands of Champions League football.

Manager Eddie Howe knows the rigors of a campaign that includes both domestic and European fixtures require greater squad depth, particularly in the wide areas. While Jacob Murphy impressed last season, he cannot shoulder the workload alone.

Elanga, who scored six goals and notched 11 assists in 38 Premier League matches last season, offers an exciting blend of pace, creativity, and tactical versatility that could seamlessly integrate into Howe’s system.

The 23-year-old’s performances for Nottingham Forest have not gone unnoticed. He was a consistent threat on the flanks, capable of stretching defenses, delivering quality service into the box, and tracking back defensively—a trait Howe greatly values.

His ability to play on either wing gives Newcastle much-needed flexibility in rotation and tactical deployment, especially when competing on multiple fronts.

While Forest enjoyed a solid season and will be reluctant to lose one of their standout performers, the lure of Champions League football and a reunion with close friends could prove persuasive for Elanga.

It’s important to remember that Elanga was reportedly open to the idea of joining Newcastle last summer, but the timing of the move proved problematic. The Magpies’ late bid left too little room to finalize the deal before the window closed.

This time, they’ve made their intentions clear early, and while it remains speculative whether Elanga would push for a transfer, the circumstances have shifted in Newcastle’s favor.

Financially, the deal won’t come cheap. Forest are in a strong bargaining position, and Elanga still has time on his contract. But Newcastle are no strangers to making significant investments when the right player becomes available.

If they believe Elanga fits their long-term vision, they may be willing to meet Forest’s valuation or negotiate a structured deal that aligns with financial fair play regulations.

In the coming weeks, the situation is likely to develop further. For now, Elanga’s brief message to Osula and his established relationships within the Newcastle squad have only intensified speculation.

With talks underway and mutual interest seemingly present, a move to Tyneside remains a very real possibility. Should it happen, Elanga would bring more than just quality on the pitch he’d arrive already connected, motivated, and poised to make an immediate impact in a club aiming to cement its place among Europe’s elite.