Nottingham Forest are facing up to life without one of last season’s heroes after Anthony Elanga quit the City Ground for Newcastle United.
The Sweden international completed a £55million transfer to Newcastle on Friday evening, two years after joining Forest from Manchester United.
Forest made a £40m profit on Elanga but they will now have to replace the livewire winger in their forward line. He provided six goals and 11 assists in the Premier League for Forest last season – only Chris Wood recorded more goal contributions for the club.
Elanga’s move to Newcastle could be the price Forest have to pay for missing out on Champions League football in agonising circumstances last season, but the likelihood is that the 23-year-old would have always found his way to St James’ Park anyway.
Opening up on his move to the north east in his first interview with his new club, Elanga said: “Funnily enough, I always had this thing that when I played against Newcastle I always wanted to do well from young. I remember my first game for the under-18s when I scored a solo goal against Newcastle - I don't know if you guys remember!
“I always had this thing for Newcastle. Looking back at it now, I think it all makes sense why I'm here now and I want to do well for this team.
“It's an amazing club, an amazing city, so I just want to do well here.
“As an opposition player, going to St James' Park isn't easy, I'll say that. But to have the fans with you, I'm really looking forward to playing there and putting on that black and white top.
"It isn't just a shirt, it's a responsibility, it's a privilege to play in front of this amazing, passionate fanbase that lives and breathes football.”
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