Forest’s Stance
Nottingham Forest have no intention of selling their 22-year-old Swedish winger Anthony Elanga, despite a £45m bid from Newcastle United, according to BBC Radio Nottingham’s Colin Fray on the Shut Up and Show More Football podcast. “Forest are clearly not interested in selling,” Fray stated, highlighting that the club, financially stable after a mid-table 2024/25 Premier League finish, is under no pressure to offload players. Elanga’s pace (34.2 km/h sprint speed) and end product make him indispensable, with Forest valuing him at £60m.
Elanga’s Value
Elanga, who joined Forest from Manchester United for £15m in 2023, has delivered 11 goals and 21 assists in 82 appearances, including a standout goal in a 2-1 win over United last season. Fray praised his ability to combine speed with control: “You see his pace, but he’s also got something on the end of it—control and decision-making.” His 2.1 dribbles per game and 1.8 key passes in 2024/25 have drawn Newcastle’s attention, who seek to bolster their Champions League squad. Elanga’s versatility as a right or left winger adds to his appeal.
Newcastle’s Pursuit
Newcastle, buoyed by Champions League qualification, see Elanga as a key target alongside PSV’s Johan Bakayoko and Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi, after missing out on Brighton’s Joao Pedro. However, Forest’s strong position—backed by PSR compliance and revenue from Morgan Gibbs-White’s £42m sale to Tottenham—allows them to resist offers. Fray noted, “Every player has a price, but Newcastle would need to go much higher.” A £60m+ bid could test Forest’s resolve, with funds potentially used for a replacement like Lyon’s Malick Fofana, also linked with Chelsea.
Forest’s Strategy
Forest, under Nuno Espírito Santo, aim to build on their 10th-place finish, with Elanga (36 starts in 2024/25) central to their 4-2-3-1 system. New signings like Antoine Semenyo, who extended his contract, and interest in Samuel Mbangula from Juventus bolster their attack. Elanga’s 12 Sweden caps and 3 goals in 2024/25 make him a long-term asset, with his contract running until 2028. Fans on X praise his “electric” runs, urging Forest to keep him for their Europa Conference League campaign starting September 25, 2025.
Next Steps
Forest’s stance ensures Elanga remains for their Premier League opener against Tottenham on August 16, 2025, but Newcastle may return with a higher bid before the September 1 deadline. A potential deal for Fofana or Mbangula could sway Forest if Newcastle meet the £60m valuation. Elanga’s focus is on pre-season, starting with a friendly against Villarreal on July 20, as Forest aim for a top-eight finish. Newcastle’s transfer moves, including interest in Marc Guehi, continue, but Elanga’s retention strengthens Forest’s ambitions.
