Report: What those close to the Anthony Elanga deal are now saying after rejected Newcastle United bid
Newcastle United Plotting Next Move After Nottingham Forest Reject Anthony Elanga Bid
Newcastle United are weighing up their next move in the transfer market after seeing their initial bid for Anthony Elanga turned down by Nottingham Forest. The Swedish winger, who impressed last season at the City Ground, has emerged as a top priority for Eddie Howe’s side this summer.
The Magpies tabled an opening offer believed to be in the region of £45 million for the 23-year-old, but Forest swiftly rejected it, signalling their intent to keep hold of the player unless a significantly higher valuation is met. Sources close to the situation indicate that Forest are demanding upwards of £60 million to consider parting ways with the dynamic forward.
Despite the initial setback, Newcastle have not walked away from the deal just yet. While the club has a shortlist of winger alternatives, Elanga remains at the very top, and Howe is said to be keen to secure the Swede’s services as part of his summer rebuild. According to reports from The Chronicle, the Magpies are now preparing a second bid in hopes of persuading Forest to do business.
Newcastle’s Strategy: Raise the Bid or Walk Away?
Newcastle now face a key decision: either meet Forest’s hefty asking price or shift their attention to other targets. For the moment, it seems they are inclined to increase their offer rather than abandon the pursuit entirely. However, insiders have made it clear that the club is unwilling to be drawn into a bidding war that would force them to overpay.
Those close to the negotiations stress that Newcastle will not hesitate to pull out if the deal becomes financially unviable. The club remains committed to operating within sensible financial parameters—particularly due to the looming shadow of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Paying over the odds for Elanga could have a ripple effect, limiting their ability to invest in other key areas of the squad.
A Deal Hanging in the Balance
Forest’s stance has made it clear: Elanga is not for sale unless a club is willing to meet their high valuation. With a £15 million gap between the two clubs’ positions, it’s unclear whether a compromise can be reached. Some sections of the Newcastle fanbase have already voiced their frustration, suggesting that the club should walk away and focus their resources elsewhere.
However, Newcastle’s recruitment team appears unwilling to give up on Elanga just yet. The Swedish international offers the kind of pace, energy, and Premier League experience that Howe believes could make a real difference on the flanks. After missing out on several targets in previous windows, the club is determined to act decisively this summer—though not recklessly.
The Financial Gamble Newcastle Must Consider
Should Newcastle opt to meet Forest’s valuation and sign Elanga, the consequences will stretch beyond this one deal. Spending over £60 million on one player would restrict their financial flexibility for the rest of the window. With Howe also keen to bring in reinforcements at centre-back, up front, and in goal, splurging too heavily on one target could severely limit their options elsewhere.
That’s the delicate balance Newcastle are trying to strike—building a squad capable of competing in both the Premier League and Champions League without breaching PSR thresholds. While the money to sign Elanga is technically available, the club must be cautious not to jeopardize its broader transfer ambitions.
Final Decision Looms
As things stand, Newcastle United are still very much in the running for Anthony Elanga, but the clock is ticking. A second bid appears to be in the works, yet it remains to be seen whether Forest will be tempted or if the Magpies will have to explore alternative solutions.
For now, Elanga remains a Forest player—and unless Newcastle are willing to pay a premium, that may not change anytime soon.