Report: Newcastle United Ready to Offload £50m Winger as Elanga Pursuit Intensifies
Newcastle United appear to have identified the player they are willing to sacrifice in order to accelerate their summer pursuit of Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga. With the Magpies eager to strengthen their attacking options, Elanga has once again emerged as a top target, and the club may be prepared to part ways with Harvey Barnes to help make the deal happen.
The Swedish international has been on Newcastle’s radar since last year, and interest has not waned. Nottingham Forest are reportedly demanding around £60 million for the 22-year-old forward, a figure that would make him one of the most expensive signings in Newcastle’s history if a deal materializes.
Funds Needed to Bolster Transfer Ambitions
While manager Eddie Howe isn’t under pressure to sell any of his key players to balance the books, offloading one high-value asset could provide a significant financial boost—and give the club more freedom to negotiate big-money deals like Elanga’s. Newcastle are ambitious, but with profit and sustainability rules (PSR) to consider, smart squad management is key.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, the player most likely to be sold to generate funds is Harvey Barnes, who only joined Newcastle last summer from Leicester City in a £39 million deal.
Harvey Barnes’ Tyneside Spell: Promising but Frustrating
Barnes’ time at St James’ Park has been somewhat mixed. Though he has managed to find the net 14 times in 63 appearances, the 26-year-old has struggled to cement a regular starting spot, largely playing in the shadow of the ever-impressive Anthony Gordon on the left flank. It wasn’t until the latter part of the 2024/25 season that Barnes truly began to shine, raising questions about whether the club should hold on to him for another year.
Nonetheless, with Elanga potentially offering more long-term value and fitting the club’s high-intensity style of play, Newcastle appear open to using Barnes as a makeweight in the deal. It’s believed that the Magpies value Barnes at around £50 million, which would cover a significant portion of Forest’s asking price for Elanga.
Interest from Aston Villa and Past Transfer Talks
Barnes’ name has also been linked with other Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa, who have reportedly retained interest since the January transfer window. Back in January, Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope revealed on YouTube that Newcastle and Villa had explored the possibility of a swap deal—Harvey Barnes moving to Villa Park and Jacob Ramsey heading to Newcastle.
That deal ultimately failed to materialize, in part due to an injury Barnes picked up during the same month. Hope also noted that the idea was floated again in May, but sources within Newcastle were adamant that Barnes was “not for sale” at the time.
Newcastle’s Stance Could Change if the Right Offer Arrives
Despite those previous denials, the current climate suggests the club might be softening their stance. The pursuit of Elanga—coupled with interest from Villa and a potential £50 million valuation—means Newcastle could reconsider their position if a sizeable offer lands on their desk.
Hope commented further:
> “This first came about in January, when a swap deal with Jacob Ramsey was floated. That didn’t happen due to Barnes’ injury. Villa’s interest hasn’t gone away, and the idea came up again in midweek. But the message from Newcastle at the time was clear—Harvey Barnes is going nowhere.”
However, the pressure to comply with financial regulations and make room for a marquee signing like Elanga could prompt a rethink in the coming weeks.
What’s Next for Newcastle and Barnes?
As Newcastle gear up for a busy transfer window, the situation surrounding Harvey Barnes is one to watch closely. While he still has time to prove himself under Eddie Howe, the club’s evolving plans may not wait. If the Magpies believe Elanga offers more explosiveness, flexibility, or resale value, Barnes may well be the man to make way.
Either through a straight sale or as part of a swap or part-exchange deal, Barnes’ future at St. James’ Park now looks increasingly uncertain—despite earlier indications of the club’s desire to retain him.