Anthony Elanga sends Newcastle United ‘agent’ two-word message before withdrawing from squad

Newcastle United remain actively engaged in reshaping their squad this summer, and one name continues to surface with increasing frequency—Anthony Elanga.

The club previously held discussions over signing the 23-year-old winger at both the beginning and end of the 2024 summer transfer window, but those efforts fell short of sealing a deal.

However, the Magpies are now prepared to reignite their interest as they look to bolster their right flank following Miguel Almiron’s January departure and the mounting pressure of Champions League football.

Elanga, formerly of Manchester United, played an instrumental role in Nottingham Forest’s remarkable Premier League campaign that concluded with a seventh-place finish, securing European football for the first time in over three decades.

His influence on the pitch was substantial. Across 38 league appearances during the 2024–25 season, he delivered six goals and provided 11 assists, surpassing his prior season’s tally of five goals and nine assists.

His pace, technical flair, and attacking intelligence have made him a standout player, and it’s no surprise that his value continues to rise.

Newcastle’s technical staff firmly believe Elanga still has room for growth and view Eddie Howe as the ideal manager to unlock his full potential.

There’s a strong conviction within the club that Elanga could evolve into one of the most dynamic right-wingers in the league under Howe’s guidance. His age, Premier League experience, and upward trajectory make him an appealing target—albeit not an inexpensive one.

Forest, well aware of his importance, are in no hurry to let him go and have placed a premium price tag on his head.

The interest in Elanga is driven not only by the need for quality but also by a lack of depth in the position. Jacob Murphy enjoyed a breakout year, becoming a key creative force on the right side of attack with nine goals and 14 assists during the 2024–25 campaign.

Yet, at 30 years old, Murphy remains largely unchallenged for his spot in the lineup. The addition of Elanga would offer necessary competition and depth, especially with the club preparing for the rigors of European football.

Amid the transfer speculation, Elanga has made headlines for withdrawing from Sweden’s national team squad ahead of a friendly against Algeria.

Having played a full 90 minutes in a 2–0 victory over Hungary, Elanga pulled out of the second match due to what were described as “personal reasons.” Sweden’s manager, Jon Dahl Tomasson himself a former Newcastle forward explained that the decision had been agreed upon in advance and should not be linked to transfer rumors.

According to Tomasson, Elanga might still train with the squad but would not participate in the upcoming fixture and could even leave the camp early.

Elanga’s ties to Newcastle players have not gone unnoticed during this period. He already shares a strong relationship with Alexander Isak and Emil Krafth, having played alongside them for Sweden.

When asked whether Isak had reached out after the Hungary match, Elanga playfully responded that the Newcastle striker must have tried to call him—perhaps to comment on a missed scoring opportunity.

This lighthearted exchange suggests a level of camaraderie that could ease his transition should a move to Tyneside materialize.

Another key figure in this unfolding story is William Osula, Newcastle’s recent acquisition from Sheffield United. Osula and Elanga are known to be close friends, and fans have affectionately dubbed Osula as “Agent Osula” due to his subtle efforts to lure the Forest winger to the club.

Over the weekend, Elanga commented on a social media post of Osula vacationing in New York, simply writing, “My boy,” which ignited a wave of responses from Newcastle supporters urging him to join the team.

The two have exchanged similar messages in the past, with Osula even extending an open invitation for Elanga to join his inner circle at Newcastle.

Despite all the noise surrounding his future, Elanga has chosen to maintain focus. Speaking while on international duty, he addressed the speculation, stating that there’s always going to be talk, but his concentration remains fixed on his performance.

He emphasized the importance of focusing on what he can control and reiterated his commitment to staying grounded amid the swirling rumors.

In an interview with Swedish newspaper Expressen, he acknowledged the presence of scouts but insisted his only concern is performing to the best of his ability, both on and off the pitch.

As Newcastle continue to monitor the situation closely, it remains to be seen whether their interest will translate into a formal bid. The combination of Elanga’s rising influence, personal ties to the club, and the need for reinforcement on the wing creates a compelling case for a move.

Whether Forest are willing to entertain offers, however, will likely depend on just how serious Newcastle are about turning admiration into acquisition.

For now, the saga continues, but the Magpies appear determined to make this summer a transformative one—and Anthony Elanga could be a major part of that vision.