Anthony Elanga Sends Emotional Message After Nottingham Forest Departure Confirmed, Amid Newcastle United Transfer Interest

 

Newcastle United’s pursuit of Nottingham Forest star Anthony Elanga has taken a new twist, as the Swedish winger addressed the confirmed departure of teammate Harry Toffolo in an emotional message—while speculation continues to mount over his own future.

 

The 23-year-old Elanga is emerging as one of the most in-demand young attackers in the Premier League after a standout campaign with Forest. Having joined the East Midlands club from Manchester United in the summer of 2023 for £15 million, Elanga made an immediate impact in his debut season, registering six goals and 11 assists in 38 Premier League appearances.

 

His contributions helped Forest secure an impressive seventh-place finish, earning a place in next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League—an achievement many believed was beyond them at the start of the season.

 

Newcastle’s Renewed Interest in Elanga

 

Elanga’s impressive form has not gone unnoticed. According to reports, Newcastle United are preparing to revive their interest in the winger after a failed last-minute attempt to sign him last summer. At that time, the Magpies reportedly tabled an offer in the region of £35 million, but Forest held firm, refusing to sell.

 

Now, with his value having increased due to his stellar performances, Forest are believed to be demanding a fee north of £60 million to even begin talks. Newcastle, under manager Eddie Howe, remain very interested, seeing Elanga as a long-term asset who fits their recruitment model focused on young, dynamic talents with Premier League experience.

 

Elanga also shares a good relationship with Alexander Isak, Newcastle’s Swedish striker, which has further fuelled the Magpies’ interest in securing his signature.

 

Emotional Farewell to Toffolo

 

While Elanga’s personal future remains uncertain, he took a moment on social media to pay tribute to teammate Harry Toffolo, who will be leaving Forest at the end of June following the expiry of his contract.

 

The 29-year-old left-back, who made 57 appearances for the club during a three-year spell, was among several names released in the club’s retained list announcement following the conclusion of the 2024/25 campaign.

 

Elanga posted a heartfelt farewell message to Toffolo on his Instagram story, writing:

 

> “What a player! And an even better person. ❤️ Good luck on your next chapter brother @harry_toff 🤠”

 

 

 

The message highlights the camaraderie within the Forest dressing room, even as Elanga himself faces a potentially career-defining move.

 

Joao Pedro Also on Newcastle’s Radar

 

In addition to Elanga, Newcastle have also identified Brighton forward Joao Pedro as another potential summer recruit. The Brazilian attacker has been on the club’s radar for several years, ever since he made the leap from Fluminense to Watford in 2020.

 

Pedro impressed at Watford, scoring 24 goals in three seasons before earning a club-record £30 million move to Brighton in 2023. Since arriving at the Amex Stadium, Pedro has delivered with 30 goals and 10 assists in 70 appearances—a return that has strengthened his reputation as one of the league’s most exciting young forwards.

 

Howe Hints at Active Transfer Window

 

While it remains unclear how many new signings Newcastle will be able to make this summer, especially under Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR), manager Eddie Howe has already hinted that squad changes are necessary.

 

> “Difficult to say on numbers, but I do think it’s a window that we have to be active in and I’m sure we will be,” Howe told reporters last month. “We haven’t recruited strongly in three windows and I think eventually, that can catch up with you in the end. Change is an important part of the squad dynamic.”

 

 

 

With Elanga and Pedro on the shortlist, the Magpies are clearly aiming to refresh their attacking options and inject youthful energy into their frontline. Whether they can land one—or both—remains to be seen, but it’s evident Newcastle are preparing for a decisive summer in the transfer market.