Newcastle United have completed the signing of Swedish winger Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest in a high-profile transfer worth approximately £55 million, including add-ons. The 23-year-old forward, who impressed during the 2024-25 Premier League season, has signed a five-year contract with the Magpies as they prepare for their return to the UEFA Champions League.
Elanga was a key player for Nottingham Forest last season, featuring in all 38 Premier League matches and contributing six goals and 11 assists. His 17 goal involvements ranked among the highest in the league, with only a few players surpassing his assist tally. His performances helped Forest secure a seventh-place finish and qualification for European competition for the first time in three decades.
Newcastle’s pursuit of Elanga intensified after Forest rejected an initial £45 million offer. The club eventually agreed to pay a fixed fee of £52 million plus £3 million in performance-related bonuses. Manchester United, Elanga’s former club, is entitled to a 15% sell-on fee from Forest’s profit on the transfer, estimated to be around £5 million.
Born in Sweden, Elanga began his youth career with IF Elfsborg and Malmö before joining Manchester United’s academy at age 12. He made his senior debut for United in 2021 and was named the club’s Young Player of the Year in 2020. After moving to Nottingham Forest in 2023, he quickly became a standout performer, making 82 appearances across all competitions and tallying 14 goals and 23 assists.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe views Elanga as a perfect fit for his tactical system, praising the winger’s exceptional speed, fitness, and ability to break defensive lines. Elanga’s versatility and work rate are expected to add depth and competition to Newcastle’s attacking options alongside players like Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, and Jacob Murphy.
Elanga expressed excitement about his move, stating, “I’m ready to put on this black and white top to really fight for this team and give everything for the passionate fanbase.” He also paid tribute to Nottingham Forest for helping him develop as a player but emphasized his eagerness to contribute to Newcastle’s ambitions.
