Newcastle United see £45m bid for Nottingham Forest star swiftly rejected

Newcastle United Face Stiff Resistance from Nottingham Forest Over Anthony Elanga Transfer

 

Newcastle United have reportedly seen a substantial £45 million bid rejected by Nottingham Forest for winger Anthony Elanga, as the Midlands club remain firm in their stance that the Swedish international is not for sale at any price. Sources indicate that Forest consider Elanga a vital part of their long-term project and view him as a cornerstone of their squad going forward.

 

Just a day earlier, Chronicle Live suggested that any serious attempt to prise Elanga away from the City Ground would likely require a bid in excess of £60 million. That valuation now seems to be supported by The Athletic, who confirmed that Forest had dismissed Newcastle’s latest offer outright, maintaining their position that the player is off-limits.

 

It is also understood that Newcastle explored the possibility of including winger Harvey Barnes in a part-exchange deal, but Forest showed no interest in that proposal. Club insiders insist that Elanga is a “core player” whose influence on and off the pitch is too significant to lose—especially to a direct Premier League rival.

 

Fuel was added to the speculation recently when Elanga appeared in a holiday photo that featured a Newcastle United jersey. The picture included Newcastle centre-back Sven Botman, striker Will Osula, and winger Anthony Gordon—all of whom play for or are linked with the Magpies. The image sparked a wave of excitement among Newcastle supporters, many of whom saw it as a potential hint at a forthcoming transfer.

 

However, it has since emerged that Elanga was in fact wearing a Bournemouth shirt in the photo, reportedly due to his close friendship with Cherries forward Antoine Semenyo. Nottingham Forest executives have reportedly dismissed any transfer speculation based on the social media post, viewing it as nothing more than a friendly gesture with no deeper meaning.

 

Forest’s firm stance should come as no surprise. The club turned down approaches for Elanga last summer, and their reluctance has only grown stronger since then. Their view of Newcastle as a direct competitor for European qualification, particularly a Champions League place, makes any sale even less likely. Strengthening a rival at this stage of the transfer window is not something Forest are prepared to entertain.

 

For Newcastle, the rejection adds to an increasingly frustrating summer window. The Tyneside club have also been quoted a staggering £60 million by Brighton for Brazilian striker Joao Pedro, prompting renewed claims of a so-called “Newcastle tax”—the perception that clubs inflate prices when the Magpies come calling.

 

As things stand, if Newcastle are determined to bring Elanga to St. James’ Park, they may be forced to return with a considerably improved offer, possibly exceeding £60 million. Whether they are willing to go that far remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Forest will not make it easy.