Newcastle United should be paying Nottingham Forest more money for Anthony Elanga.
That is the view of Nottingham Forest expert Lee Clarke, who has exclusively spoken to Geordie Boot Boys about Elanga’s imminent move to Newcastle United.
The 23-year-old is heading to St James’ Park, with Elanga seen as the perfect Eddie Howe player. A fee of £55million has been agreed with Nottingham Forest, as the Sweden international prepares to undergo a medical on Tyneside.
The deal could rise to £60million with add-ons, but Nottingham Forest News writer Clarke believes that should have been the starting figure when negotiations began between the two clubs.
Anthony Elanga runs with the ball during a Premier League game between Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
Is £60million a fair fee for Anthony Elanga?
“No, I think Newcastle United are getting away with one,” he said.
“It’s just what happens in our position in the food chain, sadly. Newcastle are in the Champions League, so essentially can usually get away without paying the full valuation.
“It should have been £60million as a starting point for me, and then with add-ons to take it to somewhere around £65/70million. After all, that is what Bournemouth value Semenyo at and he is not as good as Elanga.”
How big a miss will Anthony Elanga be at Nottingham Forest?
“Huge, we need a replacement and fast,” he said.
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“Footballers aren’t all about speed – see Adama Traore for example – but for us we play on the counter so we’re going to sorely miss him.”
It has been reported that Forest want Johan Bakayoko as an Elanga replacement. interestingly, he was previously a target for Eddie Howe and Newcastle United.
What kind of player are Newcastle United getting in Anthony Elanga?
“Clearly, his pace is going to be awesome at Newcastle, and he might be able to take the club to the next level,” Clarke added.
“He works extremely hard and by far his strongest attribute is that he’s never ever injured! Something else we will undoubtedly miss.”
During his two years at the City Ground, Elanga only missed two Premier League games. His fitness record has been impeccable.
That will be a key factor in why Eddie Howe is such a big fan of Elanga, as the Newcastle United manager lives by the mantra that availability is your best ability.
Do you envision Anthony Elanga being a success at St James’ Park?
“I do yeah,” the Nottingham Forest expert said.
“I’m not buying this absolute rubbish that Eddie Howe is going to turn him into a top quality Premier League. Eddie Howe is signing a plug and play Premier League player who, okay he could score more goals, but he’s already class!
“Only Jacob Murphy and Mohamed Salah got more assists last season and for me, he’s indebted to Nuno Espirito Santo for polishing the edges and making him the £60million player he’s set to become.”