Newcastle Close In on Anthony Elanga After Agreeing £55m Deal with Forest

Newcastle United are set to make their first major signing of the summer after agreeing a £55 million fee for Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga. The Swedish winger is poised to boost Eddie Howe’s attacking options as the Magpies gear up for their Champions League return.

Newcastle United have agreed a £55 million fee with Nottingham Forest for Sweden international Anthony Elanga, with sources telling BBC Sport the deal could be finalised this week. It’s a statement of intent from the Magpies, who are preparing for their long-awaited return to the UEFA Champions League after finishing fifth in the Premier League last season.

Elanga, 23, was a standout performer for Forest in the 2024–25 campaign under Nuno Espírito Santo, scoring six goals and providing 11 assists in what was a breakthrough year. His contributions played a key role in Forest’s top-flight survival and have now attracted one of the league’s biggest rising projects.

While Newcastle have brought in 18-year-old Antonio Cordero from Málaga on a free transfer, Elanga would represent the club’s first significant financial commitment this summer, and one that underlines the direction of Eddie Howe’s squad building.

Forest secured Elanga from Manchester United for £15 million in 2023, and they now look poised to bank a hefty profit. The Swede joined United at the age of 12, made 55 senior appearances, and showed flashes of promise before making the move to the City Ground.

Why Elanga is in Demand

Elanga’s transformation at Forest has been nothing short of remarkable. His statistical profile, backed by Opta and FBref data, shows he ranks among the elite Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers in several key areas.

In goal-creating actions, he sits in the 80th percentile, which means he’s outperforming the majority of his peers in creating opportunities that lead directly to goals. His shooting efficiency is equally impressive, with a high shots-on-target percentage that indicates he doesn’t waste chances and makes goalkeepers earn their saves.

But it’s not just end product that makes Elanga appealing. His 6.65 crosses per 90 minutes is far ahead of any current Newcastle wide option, with Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, and Anthony Gordon all averaging fewer than 5. That kind of output could be vital in Europe, where service into the box becomes even more critical.

Elanga’s ability to carry the ball progressively and his direct approach in one-on-one situations have added another layer to his game. He thrives on pushing defences back and disrupting shape, something Newcastle lacked at times last season.

Even his goals-per-shot ratio reflects a ruthless streak,a trait rarely seen in wide players still in their early twenties.

For Newcastle, this is more than a flashy signing. Elanga brings versatility, having shown he can play centrally or out wide, and his numbers reflect a player ready to contribute at the highest level. With Champions League football returning to St James’ Park, Howe needs dynamic players who can unlock tight games … Elanga fits the bill perfectly.