Nottingham Forest captain Ryan Yates has shared his thoughts on Anthony Elanga leaving the club to sign for Newcastle United for £55m.
On Friday, the winger was finally announced after weeks of speculation and even panic that the deal would fall through.
Newcastle United confirmed the signing of Anthony Elanga for £55million from Nottingham Forest on a five-year deal to end a long wait for a quality right-winger who would fit straight into the starting XI.
Elanga shared his excitement at signing for Newcastle, stating how he is ready to bring more success to Tyneside after the historic Carabao Cup win. With pre-season underway, Elanga has travelled to Austria with the Newcastle squad, though Alexander Isak, his international teammate, does not appear to have travelled with them.
He is a big miss for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, but reports suggest Forest are looking to sign Johan Bakayoko as Elanga’s replacement, though it has been reported that RB Leipzig are now favourites for his signature.
With Forest now £55m richer and looking to sign an alternative, club captain Ryan Yates has said exactly what Newcastle are getting with their new signing.
Ryan Yates and Anthony Elanga celebrate a goal during a Premier League game between Leicester City and Nottingham Forest.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Ryan Yates praises Anthony Elanga’s character after Newcastle United move
Howe could not contain his excitement at signing Elanga, admitting he was a target the club had been looking at for a long time. The pair have both agreed on improvements and will begin working on them in pre-season.
Elsewhere, Joelinton praised Elanga’s qualities and said that he will be welcomed to the group with open arms.
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Forest fans were gutted to lose Elanga and former teammate Yates feels exactly the same.
“Anthony — what a player; what an impact he had,” Yates told The Athletic.
“His performances speak for themselves but he was such a big character around the dressing room as well. He was a really top lad and will be thoroughly missed.
“I have been in the game for a few years and it is a business. Everyone has a price. We brought him from Manchester United ourselves so the club’s recruitment is there to see. It is just the process. I am sure the recruitment team will do a fantastic job.”
When Anthony Elanga could make his debut for Newcastle United
Elanga will hopefully be the first of many major signings on Tyneside this season. The 23-year-old was a clear top target once they lost the race to Bryan Mbeumo, and Howe would not take no for an answer.
Fans are now eagerly awaiting the first time Elanga steps on the pitch as a Newcastle player and wears the iconic black and white stripes.
Hopefully it will not be too long before he does so, as Newcastle take on Celtic in the inaugural Adidas Trophy at Celtic Park on Saturday. The Swede will likely be part of the matchday squad for the game, but it remains to be seen if he will start or come off the bench.
There will be several opportunities for the Sweden international to play in pre-season, with trips to Singapore and South Korea also in the pipeline.
Elanga is yet to be given a squad number, so he will likely wear a random high number if he is to play against Celtic.