David Ornstein: Newcastle table huge £50m offer for Elanga

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12 hours ago

Newcastle United Eye Anthony Elanga in Big-Money Move
Elanga Emerges as Key Summer Target
Newcastle United are making a serious push to sign Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, according to a report by David Ornstein of The Athletic. After an initial bid of £45 million was rejected, the Magpies have returned with an improved offer worth over £50 million plus bonuses.
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The interest is long-standing. Newcastle were keen on the Swedish international last summer, and their renewed pursuit signals real intent to bolster Eddie Howe's attacking options.
At just 23 years old, Elanga has impressed since joining Forest from Manchester United for £15 million in July 2023. He played every Premier League match last season, tallying six goals and 11 assists. That contribution helped Forest secure an unexpected seventh-place finish and qualification for the UEFA Conference League.
Why Newcastle Are So Keen
Elanga's appeal is obvious. He's versatile — capable of playing on both flanks — and combines blistering speed with high footballing intelligence. Newcastle's system under Howe thrives on quick transitions, and Elanga fits that mould perfectly.
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'Elanga's ability to dribble at a high speed while making wise decisions means he is a threat when his team wins the ball and attacks an unstructured defence,' The Athletic analysis notes.
Manchester United's Stake in the Deal
Manchester United could also benefit from this transfer. Due to a significant sell-on clause from the initial £15 million sale to Forest, United are in line for a financial boost should the transfer go through.
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The initial structure of last summer's offer included Miguel Almiron in a part-exchange deal — valued at £5 million — but with the Paraguayan now at Atlanta United, the cash-only nature of the current proposal signals Newcastle's urgency.
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Forest Face a Dilemma
From Forest's perspective, holding firm on Elanga's value makes sense. The winger is coming off a standout season and remains under contract. But the prospect of turning a £15 million investment into more than triple the return — in just two years — may prove too tempting, especially with squad reinforcements needed for European competition.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
From a Newcastle supporter's perspective, this move feels bold but calculated. Elanga isn't just a quick fix — he's a 23-year-old entering his prime, with Premier League experience and a clear upward trajectory. For a club aiming to return to the Champions League and establish itself among the elite, this is the sort of transfer that signals ambition.
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Yes, £50 million is a substantial fee, but this isn't reckless spending. Elanga's numbers — particularly his crossing accuracy and transitional threat — match what Howe demands from his wide players. He also brings work rate and defensive discipline, attributes that have sometimes been lacking from Newcastle's wingers in key matches.
There will be questions about whether he can replicate his Forest form at a club with greater expectations and European commitments, but he's shown composure under pressure. If this deal gets over the line, fans should be optimistic. It's not just about adding depth — it's about injecting quality that aligns with the identity Eddie Howe has built.
One concern? Finalising personal terms. 'Work is also needed on the player side,' Ornstein reported — but with serious money on the table, and a project as exciting as Newcastle's, fans will hope that's only a matter of time.