Report: Nottingham Forest will be offered ‘incredible’ £120k/wk Newcastle star as Elanga makeweight
Newcastle United have identified Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga as their primary attacking reinforcement this summer, with TEAMtalk sources confirming the Magpies are prepared to offload Harvey Barnes to facilitate the deal.
The proposed move signals Eddie Howe’s determination to inject blistering pace into his frontline ahead of their Champions League campaign, while simultaneously addressing financial fair play considerations through shrewd player trading.
Forest value their Swedish international at £50 million following a transformative season at the City Ground, where his 8 goals and 11 assists propelled the club to historic European qualification.
Newcastle’s willingness to include Barnes as a makeweight could significantly reduce the cash outlay, creating a rare win-win scenario – Forest acquire a proven Premier League winger to offset Elanga’s departure, while Newcastle land their preferred target without destabilizing their financial structure.
The 23-year-old’s existing friendship with compatriot Alexander Isak adds an intriguing dimension to the potential transfer.
Their established chemistry could help Elanga adapt quickly to Howe’s system, replicating the successful partnership they’ve demonstrated for Sweden on the international stage.
Champions League football remains Newcastle’s trump card in negotiations, offering Elanga the elite platform his development arguably deserves after flourishing under Nuno Espírito Santo’s guidance.
Newcastle’s financial flexibility marks a dramatic contrast to last summer’s PSR-driven fire sale. Their return to Europe’s top table has granted them greater maneuverability in the market, allowing for strategic investments like Elanga while maintaining interest in Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande as defensive reinforcement.
The Ivorian center-back’s situation remains fluid with Crystal Palace currently leading the chase, but Newcastle’s recruitment team continues monitoring developments should circumstances change.
Elanga’s potential arrival would address several tactical needs for Howe. His league-leading 36.2 km/h top speed adds a vertical threat Newcastle sometimes lacked last season, while his improved decision-making in the final third (creating 2.3 chances per game) offers greater creative output than Barnes’ more direct approach.
The swap deal also makes economic sense – Barnes’ market value has plateaued since his £38 million arrival, whereas Elanga’s upward trajectory suggests significant resale potential.
As the June 30 PSR deadline approaches, Newcastle’s hierarchy appears determined to act decisively. Their confidence in securing Elanga stems not just from financial muscle, but from presenting a compelling sporting project.
For a player who revitalized his career at Forest after struggling for opportunities at Manchester United, the chance to join a rising Champions League side – while reuniting with international teammate Isak – may prove irresistible.
This potential transfer encapsulates Newcastle’s evolving strategy under their Saudi-backed ownership: identifying young, upwardly mobile talents who can grow with the project, rather than chasing established stars at peak prices.
While the Guehi pursuit last summer demonstrated their ambition, the Elanga approach shows their maturation in the market – blending financial pragmatism with targeted quality improvements to bridge the gap to the Premier League’s elite.