A lot is being made regarding the future of Nottingham Forest star Anthony Elanga at the moment.
Newcastle have made a bid for Elanga, although at £55 million, it feels as though Forest believe it’s still a little bit short.
Since the bid last week, things haven’t developed, and naturally, the Magpies fan base are getting a little bit tetchy.
Given that they’ve been monitoring flights and getting excited over Elanga on holiday with a pal wearing a Newcastle shirt, it’s fair to say they’re desperate for a new signing.
Forest are preparing targets in the eventuality that Elanga does leave the club, with both teams due back in pre-season training today.
Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga.
Photo by Jon Hobley | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Anthony Elanga won’t be in Nottingham Forest training today
Whisper it quietly for the Newcastle fans, but this shouldn’t be a surprise, and it certainly shouldn’t in any way add any fuel to the fire regarding the speculation.
Forest are giving their players who went on international duty at the end of last season an extended break away from the training ground, with only those who have been resting since the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea due back today.
The Shields Gazette journalist Dominic Scurr has confirmed that the winger has been given extra time away and it would appear that he won’t be the only one missing from day one of pre-season on Trentside.
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🏃♂️Nottingham Forest & Newcastle United return for pre-season training today.
🇵🇹Anthony Elanga currently in Portugal stepping up his fitness. Given extra time away due to international duty.
🤝NUFC want to reach an agreement as soon as possible, but progress slow since £55m bid. pic.twitter.com/LZYaC9gq20
— Dominic Scurr (@DomScurr) July 7, 2025
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Elanga situation needs resolving quickly
If Forest are happy to let Elanga leave for the right price, it’s important that they get negotiations started promptly with Newcastle.
In turn, the Magpies have to get a little more serious and stop tiptoeing around the £60 million mark and simply pay what Forest are asking for.
Elanga has claimed 32 goal contributions in two seasons at Forest since his £15 million move from Manchester United in the summer of 2022.
With that in mind, losing him would represent a serious blow for Nuno Espirito Santo, and a replacement would need to be added to the squad quickly.
Forest can’t let this one drag on and if he returns to pre-season training in the next week or so, perhaps the Reds would be better to simply advise Newcastle that he’s no longer for sale.