Anthony Elanga Becomes Newcastle's Big Summer Signing
It’s official: Anthony Elanga is heading to Newcastle United. After weeks of speculation, Newcastle have pulled off their biggest move of the summer by agreeing to a £55 million package with Nottingham Forest. Fans saw the Swedish winger arrive in Newcastle on July 8 for his medical, looking every bit like the fresh spark the Magpies have been hunting for.
Not just a regular signing, this move comes with a hefty price tag—£52 million upfront and another £3 million that could follow, depending on how Elanga performs in the black and white. The 23-year-old isn’t just a future promise; he’s arriving with a point to prove. In the last Premier League season, Elanga pulled off six goals and an impressive 12 assists for Forest, making him one of the league's most productive wide men outside the so-called 'big six'.
The timing couldn’t be better for Newcastle, who have been relatively quiet on the transfer front since their last batch of major additions in 2023. By snapping up Elanga, they’re hoping to inject much-needed pace and dynamism on the flanks, especially as they prepare for an exciting Champions League run in the upcoming 2024/25 campaign. Elanga’s adaptability means manager Eddie Howe can use him across various attacking roles—on the left, right, or even as a supporting striker.
Newcastle’s Plans for More Transfers and Champions League Grit
This deal signals more than just a new face at St James’ Park. It’s a statement that Newcastle see themselves as ready to compete with Europe’s elite. Elanga is the first marquee player through the door this window, but the club’s ambitions don’t stop there. Insiders have shared that Newcastle are still chasing a new goalkeeper, a right-sided defender, and another striker to complement Alexander Isak out front. With Champions League football back on Tyneside, squad depth has quickly become a priority.
Elanga’s five-year contract shows he’s not just a stop-gap signing. The club has already wrapped up the free transfer of Antonio Cordero for midfield cover, and negotiations are continuing for potential recruits including Burnley’s James Trafford. It’s part of a methodical approach to squad-building, and the big-money move for Elanga delivers both a morale boost and a warning shot to their Premier League rivals.
For Elanga himself, this marks a huge step. The Swedish international has gone from Forest’s rising star to Newcastle’s main man overnight, with fans already buzzing about how his speed and direct play could unlock stubborn defences. With pre-season underway, it won’t be long before supporters get to see their new signing in action—and for Newcastle, that can’t come soon enough.
