Newcastle United are seriously interested in Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga this summer as Eddie Howe looks to bolster his attacking options ahead of their return to the Champions League.
After a historic season, it is important that the Magpies now improve on what they already have and improve their squad ahead of what is one of the club’s most important seasons.
Newcastle United finished fifth in the 2024/25 Premier League table, enough to confirm a return to the Champions League for the second time in three seasons. Their qualification means that Eddie Howe will be able to spend much more freely in the transfer window, and bring in high-profile names rather than a number of younger prospects.
Newcastle want to complete their transfer business early, but they must do it before sporting director Paul Mitchell leaves the club at the end of June. Otherwise, Howe and head of recruitment Steve Nickson will be left to fend for themselves in a competitive transfer market without their top negotiator.
Reports have stated that Newcastle made enquiries for Anthony Elanga recently, having missed out on him last summer. We believe it is critical that Howe listens to what former Newcastle player Chris Wood said about the winger to get the best out of him if he signs.
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Chris Wood has high praise for Anthony Elanga amid Newcastle United links
Newcastle made an approach for Elanga on deadline day in summer 2024, but they were not able to make a deal before the window shut. However, the work to sign him has started much earlier this time around to give them the best chance of signing him.
With Jacob Murphy as the only natural right-wing option at Newcastle, it is evident that the position requires improvement this summer.
Wood played for the Magpies between 2022 and 2023 before signing for Forest on loan and making a permanent move a few months later. He did not hit his best form on Tyneside but has made amends at Forest and is now recognised as one of the league’s best strikers.
2024/25 Premier League statistics Anthony Elanga
Appearances 38
Goals 6
Assists 11
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
A lot of his success comes down to Elanga’s goal contributions, so it comes as no surprise that the New Zealand international has high praise for the Swede.
Speaking to L’Equipe in February, Wood said: “He’s so good at taking out his opposite number and then finding me. We’ve developed a great partnership; he anticipates my movements and I his.”
“The three attackers who most often start alongside me, Elanga, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Callum Hudson-Odoi, give me excellent balls. They’ve integrated perfectly into the system imagined by Santo.”
Newcastle United cool Bryan Mbeumo interest amid Anthony Elanga links
Before Elanga, it was reported that Newcastle were seriously interested in Bryan Mbeumo. The Brentford winger is coming off the back of a brilliant season, and Howe was well aware of that.
However, Mbeumo has serious wage demands that Newcastle were not willing to match, so the interest cooled.
Reports have now stated that Mbeumo is set to join Manchester United, opening the door for the Magpies to go and sign Elanga.
Last summer, Elanga said he spoke to Alexander Isak about signing for Newcastle, admitting the pair have good chemistry when they play together for the Sweden national team, but ultimately he has a contract with Forest, which he is happy to honour.