Exclusive: Newcastle told to increase Elanga bid by £15m to finalise deal
The summer transfer window is heating up, and Newcastle United find themselves at the center of a high-stakes negotiation for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga.
Fresh off their return to Champions League football, the Magpies are determined to bolster their attacking options, but Forest have made it clear they won’t part with their prized asset for anything less than a premium fee.
Sources close to the situation reveal that Newcastle’s initial £35 million bid last summer was swiftly rejected, and Forest have since slapped a £50 million price tag on the Swedish international.
Elanga, who enjoyed a breakout campaign at the City Ground, has become indispensable to Forest’s setup, contributing six goals and 11 assists while featuring in every Premier League match this season.
His electrifying pace and versatility on either flank have made him one of the division’s most sought-after young talents, and Newcastle aren’t the only club monitoring his situation.
Eddie Howe’s side had initially targeted Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, but with the Cameroonian forward now Manchester United-bound, Elanga has emerged as their primary alternative.
The 23-year-old’s familiarity with the Premier League and proven end product make him an attractive option as Newcastle look to add depth ahead of a grueling European campaign.
However, Forest’s firm stance presents a significant hurdle—Elanga still has four years remaining on his contract, and the club is under no financial pressure to sell.
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown has indicated that Elanga is keen on a move to St. James’ Park, which could give Newcastle an edge in negotiations.
Yet, Forest’s hierarchy is already preparing for life without him, quietly identifying potential replacements in case an irresistible offer materializes.
A Complex Deal with Potential Domino Effects
Newcastle’s pursuit of Elanga could have ripple effects elsewhere in their squad. The club faces a delicate balancing act as they aim to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations while strengthening key areas. Selling homegrown talent could provide the necessary funds, and Anthony Gordon’s future has suddenly come into sharper focus.
Liverpool’s long-standing interest in Gordon has resurfaced, with reports suggesting Newcastle might entertain offers in the region of £75 million for the England international.
While the Magpies are reluctant to lose one of their standout performers, a fee of that magnitude could give them the financial flexibility to meet Forest’s demands for Elanga while still pursuing other targets.
However, any deal for Gordon would be far from straightforward. The 23-year-old has been instrumental under Howe, and his departure would leave a significant void on the left flank.
Newcastle’s hierarchy is aware of the risks involved and will only sanction a sale if they secure a like-for-like replacement—or better.
What’s Next for Newcastle’s Transfer Plans?
As it stands, Elanga remains high on Newcastle’s wishlist, but Forest’s £50 million valuation presents a major stumbling block. The Magpies may need to get creative with their offer, potentially including add-ons or player exchanges to bridge the gap.
Alternatively, they could shift their focus to other targets, with Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams also reportedly under consideration.
For now, all eyes remain on how Newcastle navigate this pivotal juncture in the transfer market. Securing Elanga would signal their intent to compete at the highest level, but Forest’s firm stance means the Magpies must dig deep—both in negotiations and financially—to land their man.
With Liverpool lurking in the background for Gordon, the coming weeks could define Newcastle’s trajectory for the 2024/25 season and beyond.
One thing is certain: the battle for Anthony Elanga is far from over, and Newcastle’s next move could set off a chain reaction in the Premier League’s summer transfer saga.