Newcastle United have finally agreed a deal for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, finally putting a lengthy transfer saga to bed.
It failed to get done in 2024, but Eddie Howe looks like he has finally got his man in 2025.
Anthony Elanga has been Newcastle United’s top target for some time, with the Magpies making multiple approaches for him over the last 12 months. Newcastle recently had a £45million bid for Elanga rejected, but their latest offer of £52m plus add-ons has been accepted.
On Sunday evening, Newcastle’s deal for Elanga was described as complicated. However, that is now far from the case; the 23-year-old will soon become a Magpie and link up with Alexander Isak and William Osula, two of his good friends on Tyneside.
Many Newcastle fans should be thanking Osula for the Elanga deal. His friendship and recent meetup with the player could have been a driving force for the deal to go through. With Elanga set to have his medical later this week, a new report has shared that Howe and the winger have already agreed on one thing ahead of the move.
Anthony Elanga celebrates after scoring a goal in a Premier League game between Nottingham Forest and Manchester United.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Eddie Howe and Anthony Elanga agree on improvements at Newcastle United
Fans were getting restless at the lack of activity in the summer transfer window, but Howe and his recruitment team have always been hard at work trying to get the deal over the line. That is now the case, and Elanga will soon be known as a Newcastle player who will form one part of a devastating attacking trio.
Elanga was sensational in the Premier League last season, scoring six goals and bagging 11 assists. Those numbers were similar to what Jacob Murphy put up at Newcastle, but Elanga will offer much more pace than the 30-year-old Englishman.
According to the Daily Mail, Elanga is believed to be very excited at the prospect of working with Howe, and there has been recognition on both sides of how he can improve under the guidance of the 47-year-old and the Newcastle coaching team.
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Howe wanted one new signing before pre-season, that did not happen but he will be pleased that a new player is coming to the club in time for their first friendly against Celtic next week.
Why Newcastle United’s deal for Anthony Elanga took so long
It was revealed that Newcastle went in for Elanga during the January transfer window, but Forest wanted Murphy in exchange. Howe quickly put a stop to that deal, and he will now have both wingers at his club.
The Elanga deal comes after a disappointing June, which saw Bryan Mbeumo give ridiculous wage demands, and Joao Pedro reject Newcastle for Chelsea. It has been a completely different case for Elanga, who seemingly cannot wait to play for the Magpies.
🚨💣 EXCLUSIVE: Anthony Elanga to Newcastle, here we go! Deal in place club to club with Nottingham Forest for £55m.
Agreement also in place with player’s camp on long term deal. 🤍🖤
Excellent addition for #NUFC. pic.twitter.com/3Y6J90hFbe
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 7, 2025
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In the same Daily Mail report, it was revealed that the £55m bid was not the root cause of the deal stalling or Elanga’s personal terms. In fact, it was to do with the Sweden international changing agents midway through the deal.
A group of intermediaries left the deal in doubt over the weekend. However, another intermediary intervening is believed to have been a turning point in the deal, helping it go through in the end.
Elanga is currently in Portugal but is expected to have a medical in the next couple of days.