Newcastle United sent ‘hefty fee’ warning as Magpies hit with £110m transfer demand
Newcastle United’s efforts to strengthen their attacking options this summer have hit significant roadblocks, with both Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion standing firm in their determination to keep hold of prized assets Anthony Elanga and Joao Pedro. The Magpies, who are eager to reinforce Eddie Howe’s squad ahead of a crucial 2025/26 campaign, have long had both players on their radar. However, the response from their respective clubs this weekend has been one of defiance and reluctance to negotiate.
Elanga and Pedro Remain Integral to Club Plans
Elanga, the Sweden international winger, and Pedro, the talented Brazilian forward, are considered essential pieces in the long-term visions of Forest and Brighton, respectively. While Newcastle had hoped to capitalise on early momentum in the summer transfer window, they are now facing the reality that prising away such integral players will come at a considerable cost—if at all possible.
For Eddie Howe and his recruitment staff, this represents yet another hurdle in what has already been a challenging start to the transfer period. With financial fair play and budgetary concerns influencing many of their decisions, Newcastle’s summer strategy now hinges on whether they are willing—or able—to meet the inflated valuations being quoted.
Anthony Elanga: A Pricey Pursuit
This isn’t the first time Newcastle have shown serious interest in Anthony Elanga. The club initially targeted the 22-year-old winger last summer, even lodging a £35 million bid as part of a broader negotiation that involved midfielder Elliot Anderson. In the end, Newcastle reluctantly sanctioned Anderson’s move to the City Ground and, as part of the arrangement, secured Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos—who served mainly as a backup throughout the season.
Forest, however, have not softened their stance on Elanga. Instead, they have significantly increased their valuation of the Swedish winger, now believed to be demanding a fee in excess of £50 million. According to insiders at the City Ground, Elanga is viewed as a “core” component of Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad—a player who will be pivotal as Forest aim to qualify for the Europa Conference League and eventually push toward the Champions League in the coming seasons.
Crucially, Forest are not under any immediate pressure to sell, having managed their PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) obligations effectively. That gives them the luxury of holding out for a major offer, particularly from a Premier League rival like Newcastle, who they see as direct competition in the race for a top-five finish.
While speculation over the weekend suggested renewed interest from Newcastle, Forest sources have attempted to downplay reports of a formal approach. As of now, Newcastle have remained silent on the matter, though if they decide to test Forest’s resolve with a formal bid, it will likely require a substantial offer to force a breakthrough. If the price tag escalates further, Howe and his team may be forced to walk away in search of more attainable targets.
Joao Pedro: A Familiar Admiration, a Steeper Cost
Newcastle’s admiration for Joao Pedro dates back several years. Eddie Howe was a fan of the Brazilian forward during his time at Bournemouth, and Newcastle made a £30 million approach for the player in 2022 when they were battling relegation. At the time, Pedro was still at Watford, who had paid £11 million to bring him over from Fluminense during the 2019/20 season.
However, despite their early interest, Newcastle opted not to follow up with a fresh bid after Watford’s relegation to the Championship. Instead, Brighton swooped in with a £32 million offer and secured Pedro’s signature. Since joining the Seagulls, Pedro has gone from strength to strength, scoring 30 goals in all competitions since 2023 and cementing his place as one of the Premier League’s most promising attacking talents.
With such rapid development has come a steep increase in valuation. Brighton are now believed to be demanding upwards of £60 million for the 23-year-old, effectively doubling the price Newcastle might have paid two years ago. As is typical of Brighton’s transfer strategy, the club are in no rush to sell and would only consider a departure if a truly irresistible offer is made.
For Newcastle, signing Pedro would require a significant chunk of their transfer budget—a high-stakes gamble considering the other areas in the squad that also require attention.
Antonio Cordero: A Future Prospect with Immediate Loan Plans
One deal that Newcastle have completed is the signing of promising Spanish teenager Antonio Cordero from Malaga. The forward’s arrival was confirmed last week, offering fans a glimpse of the club’s long-term planning and investment in youth.
However, with first-team opportunities likely to be limited in the upcoming season, the current plan is to send Cordero out on loan to continue his development through regular football in a competitive environment. A loan offer from Dutch giants Ajax is already on the table, but interest has also emerged from clubs in Germany and Spain.
As things stand, Cordero is unlikely to feature prominently in Newcastle’s pre-season preparations, with the club focused on finding him the right environment to develop and return stronger in 2026.
Conclusion: Pressure Mounts as Transfer Window Stalls
For Newcastle United, the pursuit of Anthony Elanga and Joao Pedro represents a test of ambition, financial muscle, and patience. Both players fit the club’s profile of exciting, high-upside talents who could thrive under Eddie Howe’s guidance—but neither will come cheap.
The Magpies may yet make a decisive move, but unless they’re prepared to significantly loosen the purse strings, they risk missing out on their top targets once again. As frustration builds among supporters, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Newcastle can deliver the marquee signings needed to push the club back into Champions League contention.