Report: Nottingham Forest still say one thing needs to be sorted after Newcastle’s £55m Anthony Elanga bid
Newcastle United Close In on £55m Anthony Elanga Signing After Improved Bid Accepted by Nottingham Forest
Newcastle United have taken a major step forward in their pursuit of Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga after submitting a significantly improved offer of £55 million on Thursday. The bid, which represents a clear show of ambition from manager Eddie Howe and the club’s ownership group, is believed to have been positively received by Forest, who are now in active discussions with the Magpies to finalize the structure of the deal.
This marks a major breakthrough in Newcastle’s long-standing interest in Elanga, following their initial offer in June, which was swiftly turned down. The rejection did little to dampen the club’s determination, with the Tyneside outfit returning with a more attractive proposal that includes an up-front payment and the potential for further add-ons.
A Statement Signing in a Key Position
Elanga’s arrival would help fill a long-standing void at Newcastle. Since the club’s high-profile takeover in 2021, fans have repeatedly called for the signing of a top-tier right winger. For a brief moment, it seemed that Gambian international Yankuba Minteh—who impressed during his loan spell at Feyenoord—might fill that role. However, Newcastle were forced to sell the talented youngster to maintain compliance with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), losing a promising asset to avoid possible sanctions.
With Elanga, Newcastle appear to have identified a ready-made solution. The 23-year-old Sweden international has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest, catching the attention of top clubs across Europe with his pace, creativity, and direct attacking style. His connection with Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, who also represents Sweden at the international level, is expected to ease his transition and potentially unlock an exciting partnership in the final third.
Forest Open to the Deal as Add-On Discussions Begin
According to The Northern Echo, Nottingham Forest have responded positively to Newcastle’s latest bid, which is thought to include a substantial upfront payment. The two clubs are now in the process of negotiating the finer details of performance-based add-ons, which should bring the deal to completion in the coming days.
If finalized, the £55 million fee would see Elanga join Sandro Tonali as Newcastle’s second most expensive signing of all time—an indication of how highly he is rated by the club. Sources close to the deal suggest that personal terms are not expected to be a stumbling block, with Elanga reportedly eager to join Newcastle and play under Eddie Howe.
Howe Gets His Man—and More
Elanga has been a long-term target for Howe. Newcastle made a late attempt to sign him in the 2024 summer window, offering around £30 million and including Miguel Almirón as part of the proposal. That offer was declined, and Almirón has since made a permanent move to MLS side Atlanta United.
With the Elanga deal now nearing completion, it appears that Howe is finally getting the reinforcements he has asked for. After enduring a frustrating period where several targets—including Joao Pedro and Dean Huijsen—chose to move elsewhere, the arrival of Elanga will be a major boost for the 47-year-old coach.
PIF, Newcastle’s ownership group, will also be satisfied that progress is being made toward Howe’s transfer targets. Ahead of pre-season, the manager had reportedly asked for two new additions, and he looks set to get his wish.
Trafford Deal Also Progressing
In addition to Elanga, Newcastle have reportedly agreed personal terms with Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford. The 22-year-old England youth international enjoyed a sensational 2024/25 season in the Championship, setting a new record with 29 clean sheets. Newcastle had previously attempted to sign Trafford but were forced to pause negotiations due to financial constraints related to PSR.
Talks between Newcastle and Burnley are ongoing as the two sides work to finalize the transfer fee. However, optimism is growing that a deal could soon be completed, marking another key acquisition for Howe’s squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Looking Ahead
With Newcastle’s first pre-season friendly just two weeks away and preparations for the new Premier League season underway, the timing of these signings is crucial. Elanga’s arrival would not only provide a much-needed injection of pace and width to the attack but would also signal a renewed intent from a club eager to push further up the table and challenge for European qualification once again.
After a season in which Eddie Howe’s side showed remarkable resilience—winning silverware and securing a Champions League place despite an injury-hit squad—the addition of quality players like Elanga and Trafford could be the catalyst Newcastle need to take the next big step in their ambitious project.