Newcastle ups bid to £55m for Forest winger Anthony Elanga

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Newcastle ups bid to £55m for Forest winger Anthony Elanga

When Anthony Elanga, forward of Nottingham Forest, was linked with a move to the north, the football world took notice. Newcastle United put forward a fresh £55 million offer on July 4, 2025 – a step up from their £45 million proposal rejected just days earlier. The bid, championed by manager Eddie Howe, could give the Magpies their first major signing of the summer and reshape the Premier League’s attacking landscape.

Background: Elanga’s rise and Newcastle’s early interest

Born in Stockholm in 2002, Elanga broke onto the senior scene with Manchester United before swapping shirts for Forest in 2022. Since then, the Swede has logged 70 Premier League appearances, notching 12 goals and 8 assists – figures that belied his age and earned him a regular spot with Sweden’s national team.

Newcastle’s pursuit dates back to the opening days of the 2024‑25 window. According to veteran reporter Martin Hardy, the Magpies first tabled a £50 million package in late June 2024, only to watch Forest pull the plug on deadline day. That early flirtation set the tone for what would become a protracted tug‑of‑war.

The bidding war: From £45m to £55m

Last week, Sky Sports confirmed Newcastle’s initial £45 million attempt was turned down outright. Forest, unwilling to jeopardise a player they value at £60 million, sent a clear message: “No deal at that price.” The club’s stance forced the Magpies to recalibrate.

July 1 saw a second, slightly higher offer of £50 million – still rebuffed. Finally, on July 4, Newcastle raised the stakes to approximately £55 million. While still shy of Forest’s £60 million asking price, the figure represents a substantial 22% increase over the first bid.

Observers note that the £55 million tag places Elanga among the Premier League’s most expensive teenage targets, alongside the likes of Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham at similar stages of their careers.

Forest’s stance and valuation

Forest’s stance and valuation

Nottingham Forest’s board, led by chairman David Hirst, has publicly affirmed that Elanga is integral to their rebuilding project under manager Steve Cooper. In a press conference on July 3, Cooper hinted that let‑go clauses or performance‑related add‑ons might be the only way to bridge the £5 million gap.

Financially, Forest’s recent promotion to the Premier League has tightened their budget, making any high‑value sale a double‑edged sword: cash influx versus loss of a key attacking outlet. The club’s recent €30 million investment in defensive depth underscores why they’re reluctant to part with a player who can unlock games.

Alternative targets Newcastle is eyeing

While Elanga remains top of the list, Newcastle have quietly scoped out other options to keep their attacking ambitions alive. A concise rundown of the most talked‑about names:

  • Johan Bakayoko – 21‑year‑old forward at PSV Eindhoven, praised for his pace and dribbling.
  • Karim Adeyemi – German‑U21 star at Borussia Dortmund, a proven scorer in the Bundesliga.
  • Mohammed Kudus – Ghanaian talent at West Ham United, versatile across attacking positions.

These alternatives highlight the club’s willingness to spend up to £60 million on a marquee forward, signalling that the Elanga saga is part of a broader strategic push rather than a one‑off gamble.

What the deal could mean for both clubs

What the deal could mean for both clubs

If Forest ultimately accept the £55 million offer, the cash injection would likely be earmarked for reinforcing the back line and securing a permanent manager – a move that could stabilize their Premier League foothold. For Newcastle, adding Elanga would give Eddie Howe a left‑side threat capable of cutting inside and linking up with striker Callum Wilson or the newly signed midfielder Jude Bellingham.

Strategically, Elanga’s experience in a high‑press system aligns with Howe’s philosophy of quick transitions. Moreover, the 23‑year‑old’s marketability – especially in Scandinavia – could open new commercial avenues for the club’s owners, who have steadily increased spending since the 2022 takeover.

Regardless of the final outcome, the episode underscores how the current transfer market is reshaping club hierarchies, with mid‑table teams like Forest fighting to retain talent while wealthier rivals pile on the cash.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will Newcastle’s £55m bid affect their wage structure?

The Magpies have already allocated a sizable portion of their transfer budget to midfield upgrades, so signing Elanga would likely require modest wage adjustments or performance‑based bonuses to stay within the club’s salary cap.

What are Nottingham Forest’s alternative plans if they keep Elanga?

Forest intend to reinvest any future sale proceeds into strengthening their defense and adding depth to midfield, while relying on Elanga’s creativity to drive their attacking play.

Could Elanga still leave if Forest rejects the bid?

A move is still possible via a release clause or a loan‑with‑option‑to‑buy arrangement, but both clubs have signalled that any deal would need Forest’s consent first.

What do football analysts say about Elanga’s fit at Newcastle?

Experts point out that Elanga’s ability to stretch defenses and cut inside mirrors the style Eddie Howe wants, making him a natural complement to existing forwards and a potential breakout star in the Premier League.

How does this transfer saga compare to other recent summer deals?

The back‑and‑forth on Elanga mirrors the protracted negotiations seen for Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham, highlighting a trend where clubs are willing to repeatedly increase offers to secure top‑young talent.

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Mohammed Azharuddin Sayed
Mohammed Azharuddin Sayed

It’s interesting how Newcastle have nudged the price up by ten million, especially given Forest’s reluctance to let their star winger go. The incremental increase shows they’re serious, but it also puts pressure on the Magpies to fit the wages into an already stretched budget. If the deal goes through, Elanga could give Howe the kind of width he’s been missing, while also opening a commercial window in Scandinavia. Forest, on the other hand, will need to replace that creativity if they stay in the Premier League. Overall, the numbers make sense in a market where clubs are flushing cash into youth with potential upside.

October 6, 2025 at 18:54