Nottingham Forest are thought to be among the frontrunners to sign an “insane” £20 million-plus star who could replace the departed Anthony Elanga, according to a recent report.
Elanga sends Nottingham Forest a goodbye message
Newcastle United confirmed on Friday evening that they had completed the signing of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest. The Reds have sold the Sweden international to the Magpies in a deal worth £55 million after he scored six goals and recorded 11 assists during the 2024/25 Premier League season, as Forest secured a place back in European football.
brazil-flag Related
[Nottingham Forest bid to sign "rated" Brazilian attacker who Dortmund want](https://www.footballfancast.com/nottingham-forest-bid-to-sign-brazilian-attacker-xavier-dortmund-want/ "Nottingham Forest bid to sign "rated" Brazilian attacker who Dortmund want")
He's out of contract in 2026.
After his transfer to Newcastle was completed, Elanga took to Instagram to send a goodbye message to Forest and their supporters. The winger described Forest as a “family” and said he will never forget walking out at the City Ground and feeling their energy.
Elanga wrote: “My Forest Family— it’s been real! From day one, the love has been crazy, and I felt it every time I stepped on that pitch. Grateful for the memories, the lessons, and the chance to wear that shirt with pride.
“Big love to my teammates, coaches & all the backroom staff, and to the City Ground faithful… You all made it special. I’ll never forget that feeling of walking out to your energy.
“Time for the next chapter. But this one? Forever in my heart. Thank you, Nottingham Forest. YOU REDSSS.”
Nottingham Forest among frontrunners to sign "insane" £20m+ star
Now Elanga has left, the Reds are wasting no time in finding a suitable replacement, as according to journalist Sebastien Vidal, Forest are progressing in their talks to sign Johan Bakayoko from PSV Eindhoven and are among the frontrunners.
It could cost the Premier League side well under half of what they sold Elanga for to sign Bakayoko, as the Dutch champions want just £22 million for the exciting winger.
However, since then, Sacha Tavolieri has added that it is Bayer Leverkusen who are in the lead for Bakayoko, who has agreed a five-year deal with the Bundesliga giants.
Johan-Bakayoko-Belgium-Zinchenko-Ukraine-Euro-2024
The 22-year-old, who has been dubbed an “insane” talent by football scout Ben Mattinson, has been at PSV since 2019. During that time, Bakayoko has won the Dutch title, the Dutch Cup, and the Dutch Super Cup twice, playing a key role in a lot of those campaigns.
Bakayoko scored nine goals in 30 Eredivisie games last season, but given he is out of contract next summer, PSV may see this as the right time for him to move on. Bakayoko poses a similar threat to Elanga; he is a very quick and direct winger who has enormous ability and can also play in numerous positions across the frontline. The fact he may well be available for just £22 million means he could be a bargain purchase for the Reds, who are looking to go even better than last season.