Newcastle United have finalised an agreement with Nottingham Forest to sign Swedish winger Anthony Elanga in a deal worth an initial £52 million, marking their first major signing of the summer window.
The 23-year-old is expected to undergo a medical within the next 48 hours, with personal terms on a five-year contract already agreed. The transfer also includes performance-related bonuses, though sources indicate these are difficult to trigger.
Elanga’s arrival caps off several weeks of pursuit by Newcastle, who had an earlier bid rejected in June before returning with an improved offer. His signing will provide manager Eddie Howe with a much-needed boost as the club prepares for another season of Champions League football.
Standout Season Sparks Transfer
Elanga was ever-present for Forest last season, featuring in all 38 Premier League matches and registering six goals and 11 assists. His pace, directness and creative output were instrumental in helping Forest secure a seventh-place finish.
Newcastle initially explored a move for Elanga during last summer’s talks over Elliot Anderson’s proposed transfer to Forest. Renewed interest followed a standout campaign that reignited the Magpies’ desire to bolster their attacking options.
The deal will also see Manchester United, Elanga’s former club, receive a financial windfall due to a sell-on clause agreed when he moved to Forest for £15 million in 2023.
Howe’s Ideal Profile
The right-wing position has been a key area of focus for Newcastle this summer, especially following Miguel Almirón’s departure to Atlanta United in January. Howe was reportedly determined not to settle for a less proven alternative, with Elanga fitting the mould of a Premier League-ready, tactically astute attacker with youth and upside.
He is expected to slot into a high-tempo front three alongside Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak, potentially forming one of the fastest attacking trios in the league. Elanga’s existing international understanding with Isak for Sweden is also seen as an added advantage, especially as Newcastle prepare to open contract talks with the striker.
Late Stumbling Block Resolved
The transfer had temporarily stalled due to complications over Elanga’s recent agency switch, but negotiations resumed over the weekend and the issue was ultimately resolved.
Newcastle will now shift their focus to other key positions, with a right-sided centre-back, a goalkeeper, and a versatile forward all said to be on the club’s summer wishlist.
Elanga’s signing represents the end of a long search for a dynamic right winger and signals Newcastle’s continued intent to compete at the highest level—both domestically and in Europe.