Newcastle United are on the verge of signing Swedish winger Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest after agreeing a £55 million transfer fee. The deal is expected to be finalized within the week, as the club looks to strengthen its attacking line ahead of its return to the Champions League, following a fifth-place finish in the Premier League last season.
Elanga, 23, enjoyed a breakout campaign in the 2024–25 season, scoring six goals and providing 11 assists. His performances have not only raised his market value significantly but also made him one of the most sought-after wingers in the league. Originally signed by Forest for £15 million from Manchester United in 2023, Elanga’s rise over the past year has been remarkable.
Having started his football journey at Manchester United’s youth academy at the age of 12, Elanga made 55 senior appearances for the Red Devils before making the move to Nottingham. His debut season at the City Ground proved to be a turning point, showcasing his rapid development and maturity on the pitch.
Newcastle, so far, have made only one addition to their squad this summer—Spanish winger Antonio Cordero, signed on a free transfer from Malaga. The acquisition of Elanga would mark their first major spending of the window and a strong statement of intent as they prepare to compete at the top level of European football.
Elanga’s appeal lies in his impressive all-around attacking metrics. Statistically, he ranks among the top performers in the Premier League across several key areas for attacking midfielders and wingers. His ability to create goals consistently places him in the upper percentile, indicating that he contributes more than most of his peers in generating scoring opportunities.
One of his standout qualities is shot accuracy. He not only takes chances but often forces saves, reflecting his efficiency in front of goal. In a league where conversion and precision are critical, his high shots-on-target percentage makes him an asset. Additionally, his goals-per-shot ratio suggests he doesn’t just shoot often—he scores with impressive regularity.
Another notable strength is his crossing ability. Elanga averages 6.65 crosses per 90 minutes, significantly more than any of Newcastle’s current wide players. This proficiency could prove crucial in unlocking defences, especially when facing compact setups both domestically and in European competition.
Elanga also brings exceptional ball-carrying ability. His progressive carries show a forward-thinking mentality and a knack for driving play towards the goal. This direct style offers pace and unpredictability—two traits Newcastle currently lack in abundance out wide.
His versatility adds further value. Comfortable operating on either flank or through the middle, Elanga’s positional flexibility allows for tactical diversity. He brings a blend of creativity, speed, and clinical finishing that Newcastle’s attacking unit could greatly benefit from.
With Champions League football on the horizon, the need for dynamic, high-impact players is greater than ever. Elanga fits that profile perfectly. If the deal is completed, he will likely play a central role in Newcastle’s push to make a mark on both the domestic and European stages.
