Newcastle United had a secret weapon up their sleeve when trying to sign Anthony Elanga.
Jamie Reuben’s strong relationship with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis reportedly helped Newcastle United sign Anthony Elanga.
A lengthy transfer saga finally reached a conclusion on Friday as the Swede penned a five-year contract at St James’ Park. Newcastle announced their first significant first-team addition for three transfer windows, stumping up around £55million to land the winger.
Elanga - who joined Forest from Manchester United for £15million in 2023 - will now link up with international teammate Alexander Isak. He also appears to have a kinship with youngster Will Osula as the duo were pictured together earlier this summer.
Newcastle United owner gets involved
Newcastle fans could be forgiven for feeling frustrated as the deal stalled for several weeks. They watched on as Toon chiefs tried - and failed - to sign Joao Pedro before he joined Chelsea.
A deal for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford has also gone quiet as the two camps disagree on a transfer fee. Coupled with a lack of investment for three windows, there was a clamour for Elanga to get over the line.
Board member Reuben is understood to have played a key role in finalising the agreement. Reuben - whose family own an 85 per cent stake in Newcastle - is close to Forest owner Marinakis.
Interestingly, The Athletic state that sporting director Ross Wilson was not heavily involved in negotiations. Various sources suggest he has been touted as someone who can replace Paul Mitchell at Newcastle.
Eddie Howe welcomes Anthony Elanga
Eddie Howe believes Elanga has the attributes to make a serious impact on Tyneside. He said: "I'm delighted to welcome Anthony to Newcastle United. He has been a key target for us so I'm delighted to secure him at this early part of pre-season.
"He is an exciting talent with attributes that make him a unique attacking threat. His pace, energy and ability to create and score goals will strengthen us and complement the way we want to play. Anthony is hungry to develop even further with us and to achieve success here, and we’re all looking forward to working with him.”
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‘Buy into the DNA’ - Anthony Elanga
Elanga noted how “passionate” Newcastle fans are as being a swaying factor in joining the club. He told the club website: “I'm excited, I'm really happy but, most importantly, I'm ready. I'm ready to put on this black and white top to really fight for this team and give everything for the passionate fan base that lives and breathes football.
"I had an amazing two years at Nottingham Forest, they really helped me to become the player I am today, but I'm really happy to be here now. The club won a trophy last season and are building something unique, something special that I really want to be part of. I really want to buy into the culture, into the DNA of this club. I'm really happy to be here and I can't wait to get started."
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