Man Utd fans think Newcastle will ‘help fund Bryan Mbeumo move’ after latest transfer news emerges
Newcastle United might unknowingly play a key financial role in one of Manchester United’s biggest transfer pursuits of the summer. Reports have emerged suggesting that the Magpies are actively exploring a deal for one of their former academy graduates—Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga. This unexpected development could ultimately benefit the Red Devils in their high-profile chase for Brentford’s star forward Bryan Mbeumo.
Earlier this week, multiple sources revealed that 25-year-old Mbeumo has made his intentions clear—he wants to make the switch to Old Trafford ahead of the 2025/26 season. Manchester United, wasting no time, have already opened negotiations with Brentford in an attempt to bring the in-form Cameroon international to Erik ten Hag’s squad.
Mbeumo, who was born in France but represents Cameroon at the international level, enjoyed a breakout season with Brentford last term. He netted 20 goals and registered seven assists in just 38 Premier League appearances—form that has naturally drawn the attention of several Premier League heavyweights. Among the interested parties are Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United themselves. But it appears United have jumped ahead in the queue and are hoping to finalize a deal soon.
While an initial offer from United—reportedly worth £45 million with an additional £10 million in potential bonuses—was rejected by Brentford, journalist Ben Jacobs has reported that talks are still progressing. A revised second offer, believed to exceed £60 million, has already been submitted as the Red Devils push to finalize the signing.
Now, in a surprising twist that could indirectly fund that very move, Newcastle have turned their attention to Anthony Elanga—a player sold by Manchester United to Nottingham Forest last summer for a fee in the region of £15 million. Importantly, United inserted a sell-on clause into that deal, ensuring they’d benefit financially from any future sale of the Swedish winger.
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle have made an enquiry into Elanga’s availability and have opened preliminary talks with Forest. The Midlands club, however, are not expected to let him go cheaply. Sources suggest Forest will demand a “sizeable fee,” potentially north of £50 million, to part ways with the dynamic attacker.
That potential fee could hand Manchester United a welcome financial boost due to the sell-on clause attached to Elanga’s contract—effectively allowing Newcastle to help fund United’s acquisition of Mbeumo without even realizing it.
Unsurprisingly, this twist in the transfer saga has triggered plenty of reactions from Manchester United supporters online. One fan cheekily commented: “We have a sell-on clause for Elanga. Newcastle will basically be funding our move for Mbeumo.” Another added: “The irony of Newcastle helping us land Mbeumo is just delicious.”
Others joined in the fun, with one post reading: “Newcastle lost their top transfer target to United, so now they’re chasing Elanga—and will end up paying us in the process. Beautiful scenes.” Another supporter wrote simply: “Sell-on clause for United, bring it,” while a fifth fan noted: “United praying Elanga and Alvaro Fernandez both get sold—those sell-on clauses could come in very handy.”
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is understood to be an admirer of Elanga and previously tried to sign the Sweden international last summer. Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie revealed that discussions took place between Newcastle and Forest regarding a deal that could have exceeded £35 million. However, a transfer never materialized, as Forest were in no rush to offload the winger at the time.
Elanga ultimately stayed and delivered a respectable campaign, scoring six goals for Forest and playing a key role in helping the club secure a seventh-place finish—earning them a spot in next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League.
Now, with interest rekindled and both Newcastle and Manchester United making moves in the market, Elanga’s future could once again become a pivotal talking point—not just for his own career, but potentially as the missing financial puzzle piece that helps Bryan Mbeumo don the red shirt of Manchester United this summer.