Newcastle United are finally set to sign Anthony Elanga, and the deal could have implications on Manchester United’s move for Bryan Mbeumo.
Elanga is set to join Newcastle United from Nottingham Forest for £55million, bringing an end to a saga that has spanned across two summers.
Indeed, Eddie Howe is excited to work with Elanga, who became a leading Newcastle transfer target once the club shelved their interest in Mbeumo.
Newcastle thought Mbeumo was too expensive, while the Brentford forward himself had eyes for Manchester United.
Still, the fact that Newcastle are paying big money for Elanga has strengthened Brentford’s stance.
Nottingham Forest forward Anthony Elanga looks on during an FA Cup game against Ipswich Town.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Brentford encouraged by Anthony Elanga fee in Bryan Mbeumo talks
According to Standard Sport, the Bees believe the money Newcastle paid for Elanga helps justify the price tag they’ve put on Mbeumo.
The London club are looking for around £63million for the Cameroon international.
Brentford are of the belief that the money being spent elsewhere on players of a similar profile means their valuation of a player as good as Mbeumo is perhaps even lower than his actual market value.
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Mbeumo scored more goals than Elanga last season, although the Swedish star beat him for assists.
Newcastle making right decision to sign Anthony Elanga instead of Bryan Mbeumo
Mbeumo’s huge salary demands, as well as the sizeable price tag and rival interest in the player, mean Newcastle were right to walk away from talks.
Newcastle cannot afford to be dragged into a protracted saga. With that in mind, signing Elanga looks the right decision.
Elanga’s salary is not thought to be an issue for Newcastle and he’s a player on the up. Two years younger than Mbeumo, £55million could end up looking like a bargain if Howe can improve him even further.
Mbeumo would have been a fantastic signing for Newcastle but the conditions of the deal just never looked right.