Newcastle agree £55m fee for Forest winger Elanga

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Newcastle United have reached an agreement with Nottingham Forest for Swedish winger Anthony Elanga, with a transfer fee set at £55 million.

According to sources informed by Sport, the transfer could be finalized within this week.

As Newcastle prepares to rejoin the Champions League following a fifth-place finish in the Premier League last season, they are looking to enhance their offensive capabilities.

The 23-year-old had an impressive season with Nuno Espirito Santo's team in 2024-25, netting six goals and providing 11 assists.

So far this summer, Newcastle has not allocated any funds for player acquisitions, with their only new signing being 18-year-old Spanish winger Antonio Cordero, who arrived on a free transfer from Malaga.

It is believed that Forest paid £15 million to acquire Elanga from Manchester United on a five-year contract in 2023.

Elanga joined Old Trafford when he was just 12 years old, making 55 appearances before his transfer to the City Ground.

What attracts Newcastle to Elanga?

Newcastle's interest in Elanga illustrates the significant rise in his value following a remarkable season with Forest.

His statistical profile indicates a player who is not only developing but excelling in numerous critical attacking aspects.

The radar chart provided by Opta through FBref demonstrates that Elanga ranks highly among Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers in several categories.

Being in the 80th percentile for goal-creating actions signifies that he surpasses 80% of similar players in this crucial attacking statistic.

His elevated percentile for shots-on-target percentage not only shows his scoring instinct but also his efficiency in forcing goalkeepers into action. He doesn't squander opportunities.

Elanga also excels in crossing; while none of Newcastle's wingers—Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, or Anthony Gordon—manage more than 4.85 crosses per 90 minutes, Elanga records an average of 6.65.

His progressive carries, which illustrate how often he advances the ball toward the goal, emphasize his direct approach and determination to take on defenders, injecting vitality into Forest's offense.

Additionally, his goals-per-shot ratio indicates a proficiency in front of the net that is uncommon among wingers.

For Newcastle, these statistics embody their requirements: speed, effectiveness, and inventiveness in the attacking third.

Elanga, capable of playing both on the flanks and through the center, embodies the qualities of a player who could penetrate defenses effectively, both domestically and in Europe.