Newcastle United have officially secured the services of Swedish winger Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest in a blockbuster £60 million transfer. The deal was confirmed after weeks of negotiations, with Elanga now set to join Eddie Howe’s side ahead of pre-season preparations. The 22-year-old becomes the Magpies’ first major signing of the summer and a clear statement of ambition from the club’s Saudi-backed ownership.
Elanga, who enjoyed a breakout season with Forest, was one of the most exciting wide players in the Premier League last year. His pace, direct dribbling, and improved end product caught the attention of several top clubs, but Newcastle acted decisively to land their target early in the window.
Why Newcastle Moved for Elanga
Newcastle’s interest in Elanga goes back to his time at Manchester United, where he first emerged as a promising teenager. Though his development stalled slightly during his final year at Old Trafford, the move to Nottingham Forest revitalized his career. He scored 11 goals and provided 7 assists in the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, helping Forest secure survival while cementing himself as one of the league’s most dangerous counter-attacking threats.
For Eddie Howe, Elanga offers a much-needed injection of speed and width to Newcastle’s attack. The team struggled to break down compact defenses last season, especially with injuries to key players like Miguel Almirón and Harvey Barnes. Elanga’s ability to stretch backlines and operate on both wings gives Newcastle new attacking options for their high-energy style of play.
A Perfect Fit for Eddie Howe’s System
Eddie Howe prefers dynamic wingers who can press, recover quickly, and contribute both defensively and offensively. Elanga fits that profile perfectly. At Forest, he often covered more distance per match than any other forward in the squad. His defensive work rate and willingness to track back will appeal to Howe, who expects total commitment from his players on and off the ball.
With Champions League ambitions on the horizon, Newcastle needed a forward who could thrive at a higher level. Elanga’s experience with Manchester United in Europe, combined with his recent form, gives him the platform to grow into a key starter at St. James’ Park.
What This Means for Newcastle’s Attack
With Elanga’s arrival, Newcastle now have strong depth on the flanks. He joins a forward group that already includes Alexander Isak, Callum Wilson, Harvey Barnes, and Anthony Gordon. The expectation is that Elanga will rotate with Gordon and Barnes, offering flexibility in how Newcastle approach each match.
This also raises questions about the future of Miguel Almirón, who has drawn interest from Saudi Pro League clubs. A sale could help fund additional signings, as Newcastle look to bring in a defensive midfielder and another full-back before the season begins.
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Conclusion – Newcastle Make Their Move Early
Signing Anthony Elanga for £60 million is a bold step by Newcastle and a strong signal of intent heading into the 2025/26 season. The Magpies are determined to return to Europe, and Elanga gives them a young, energetic forward with Premier League experience and the hunger to prove himself on a bigger stage.
This move strengthens Newcastle’s squad both in terms of depth and versatility, and fans will be eager to see how Elanga fits into Eddie Howe’s system from day one. With more signings expected, Newcastle are shaping up to be one of the most exciting teams to watch in the coming campaign.
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