Newcastle United ‘prepared’ to offer brutal £60m Nottingham Forest swap deal to avoid PSR trouble
Newcastle United Revive Interest in Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga — Swap Deal Involving Harvey Barnes Under Consideration
Newcastle United have stepped up their pursuit of Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, reigniting their long-standing interest in the Swedish international after a productive 2024/25 Premier League campaign. According to multiple reports, the Magpies have officially made enquiries into the 23-year-old’s availability as they look to reinforce their attacking options ahead of a return to the UEFA Champions League.
Elanga enjoyed a standout season at the City Ground, where he was a consistent presence in Forest’s lineup. Featuring in all 38 league fixtures, the winger contributed six goals and provided 11 assists, playing a pivotal role in helping his side retain their top-flight status. His impressive output and durability have not gone unnoticed by Newcastle’s scouting and recruitment department.
Interest Renewed After Failed 2023 Talks
This isn’t the first time Newcastle have shown serious interest in Elanga. The Tyneside club previously held discussions with Nottingham Forest last summer, shortly after the winger completed his £15 million move from Manchester United. However, those talks stalled, and no deal materialized at the time.
Now, with the summer transfer window open again and Newcastle aiming to bolster squad depth for a European campaign, club officials are said to be more determined to secure the Swede’s signature. Forest, however, are reluctant to part ways with Elanga after just one season, especially given his rapid development and key role in their system.
Additionally, Manchester United reportedly inserted a sell-on clause when Elanga joined Forest in 2023, meaning the Red Devils are entitled to a percentage of any future transfer fee. That clause is expected to influence the negotiation process, particularly with Forest determined to extract full value from any sale.
Elanga Keen on Champions League Opportunity
Elanga is believed to be open to the idea of joining Newcastle, with the lure of Champions League football a major factor in his interest. The prospect of working under Eddie Howe—known for nurturing young talent—is another positive, especially as there’s confidence within the club that the coaching staff can elevate Elanga’s game even further.
Moreover, the Swede already has strong ties within the Newcastle dressing room, sharing international duties and personal friendships with Alexander Isak, Emil Krafth, and William Osula, which could help ease his transition to life at St. James’ Park.
A Creative Swap Deal to Beat PSR Hurdles
Given Nottingham Forest’s high valuation of Elanga, Newcastle may explore a cash-plus-player deal to make the transfer more financially viable under Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Such arrangements can help spread the cost over time through amortisation, making them an effective tool for clubs navigating tight budgets.
TEAMtalk reports that Newcastle are prepared to offer Harvey Barnes as a makeweight in negotiations. Barnes, who arrived from Leicester City in 2023 for £38 million, could be included in a deal that would see him move to the City Ground alongside a cash sum to facilitate Elanga’s switch to the North East.
This type of deal structure would allow both clubs to manage the financial aspects effectively—each team gaining a valuable asset while receiving a monetary benefit that can be amortised over the length of the incoming player’s contract.
Barnes’s Time at Newcastle
Despite largely operating as an impact substitute, Harvey Barnes has been a valuable asset for Newcastle. Since his arrival, the 27-year-old has netted 14 goals in 63 appearances, including crucial strikes that helped the Magpies secure their first Carabao Cup triumph in decades and qualify for the Champions League.
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe has publicly praised Barnes’ contributions:
> “Harvey’s played in his position and he’s played it very well,” Howe commented. “He’s an undoubted goal threat in every game and he’s one of our highest players for shooting and chances created, so I’m delighted that he’s shown everybody just how good he is.”
However, with Anthony Gordon back from injury and expected to reclaim his place on the left flank, Barnes’ opportunities may become limited, prompting Newcastle to consider parting ways if the right offer—or swap deal—comes in.
Elanga Sparks Transfer Buzz on Social Media
Adding fuel to the fire, Elanga stirred speculation among fans over the weekend with a series of holiday snaps from Mykonos shared on Instagram. One particular image caught the attention of eagle-eyed supporters: while playing padel tennis, Elanga was wearing an Antonie Semenyo (AFC Bournemouth) shirt—but it was his partner’s outfit that raised eyebrows. She was sporting the official Newcastle United 2024/25 home jersey.
The post quickly garnered attention from several Newcastle players, including fellow Sweden international William Osula, winger Anthony Gordon, and centre-back Sven Botman. Gordon’s comment, “Yallaaa,” which loosely translates from Arabic as “Let’s go,” only intensified speculation that a move may be on the horizon.