Marinakis assessing Nottingham Forest deal to sign “incredible” new Elanga replacement
Nottingham Forest Eyeing Oscar Bobb as Potential Anthony Elanga Replacement Amid Newcastle Interest
With Newcastle United continuing their pursuit of Anthony Elanga, Nottingham Forest may soon be forced into a tough decision regarding the future of one of their standout performers. The Magpies, armed with financial strength and ambitions of bolstering their attacking options, have reportedly reignited their interest in the Swedish winger—and Forest are now preparing for all eventualities, including his potential departure.
Forest Fighting to Retain Elanga After Breakout Season
Elanga made a significant impact at the City Ground last season following his move from Manchester United, quickly establishing himself as a vital piece in Nuno Espirito Santo’s attacking system. His pace, directness, and eye for goal were crucial in Forest’s campaign to secure Premier League survival, and his performances did not go unnoticed.
Last summer, Nottingham Forest successfully fended off interest from other clubs to retain the 22-year-old, and that decision paid off handsomely. However, with Newcastle United back in the picture and reportedly submitting an official enquiry for the Sweden international, Forest’s resolve is once again being tested.
While away on international duty, Elanga remained tight-lipped about speculation surrounding his future. Speaking to reporters, he said:
“There’s a lot of talk. I’m focusing on what I can do and my focus today was on the game. In football there are always rumors. The most important thing is that I focus on what I can control.”
His carefully worded comments have done little to quell the speculation, and the uncertainty could force Forest into action sooner rather than later.
Despite a respectable showing in the 2024/25 season, Forest narrowly missed out on European qualification, and there are concerns that some of their top talents, including Elanga, could be tempted by opportunities elsewhere this summer.
Evangelos Marinakis Plotting Summer Reinforcements
In anticipation of potential exits, club owner Evangelos Marinakis has already turned his attention toward possible replacements. The Greek businessman is no stranger to forward planning and has reportedly lined up several targets should Elanga depart. Among the names linked with Forest are Brazilian talent Igor Jesus and Spanish winger Raul Moro, currently impressing at Real Valladolid.
However, another intriguing name has now entered the frame—Manchester City’s rising star Oscar Bobb.
Forest Monitoring Oscar Bobb as Possible Elanga Successor
According to Football Insider’s Mick Brown, Nottingham Forest have expressed serious interest in bringing Oscar Bobb to the City Ground, possibly on a season-long loan deal. The 21-year-old Norwegian winger, who Pep Guardiola has described as having “incredible potential,” is seen as a player who could thrive with regular Premier League minutes—something he may struggle to find at Manchester City given the fierce competition for places.
Bobb spent a large part of last season recovering from injury but returned to full fitness late in the campaign. For a player with his technical ability and football intelligence, regular game time is now essential to rediscover rhythm and match sharpness.
Speaking to Football Insider, Brown—a former Premier League scout—noted:
“A Premier League loan move is exactly what Bobb needs. After the injury he had, he has to prove to everybody that he is still capable at this level. If you take him out of that Man City side and put him in another Premier League team, a Crystal Palace or a Nottingham Forest, it will show where he’s at. Palace and Forest are both clubs I’ve heard are having a look at the deal.”
If Elanga does indeed move on, Bobb could be a logical replacement. His creativity, close control, and flair on the ball mirror many of Elanga’s best attributes. A move to Forest would offer him the platform to grow in a less pressurized environment than Manchester City, while also giving the Tricky Trees a dynamic, high-upside option on the flanks.
Conclusion: A Changing of the Guard?
As the summer transfer window gathers momentum, Nottingham Forest find themselves balancing ambition with pragmatism. Losing Elanga would be a blow, but the potential arrival of Oscar Bobb could soften that setback and even open the door for a new attacking focal point at the club.
Much now depends on Newcastle’s next move—and Forest’s ability to act swiftly if their Swedish star is lured away.