Why Nottingham Forest agreed to sell Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United, he didn’t push for a move

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Newcastle United are set to sign Anthony Elanga after agreeing a £55m deal with Nottingham Forest, who were reluctant to sell the Sweden international.

Newcastle agreed a £55m fee with Forest for Elanga, bringing an end to a pursuit that has dragged on for over a year.

The forward is now set to head for a medical before joining his new teammates in the Newcastle United squad over the coming days.

At long last, Newcastle United have all but signed a new right-winger. While Jacob Murphy was in fine form last season, it’s been a problem position for much of the PIF era.

Elanga scored six goals while registering 11 Premier League assists last season, establishing himself as one of Forest’s best players as they qualified for Europe for the first time in 30 years.

Naturally, those at the City Ground were unhappy to lose the 23-year-old, though their thinking behind the move has now been revealed.

• READ MORE: The real reason why Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United was delayed as Nottingham Forest get their wish

Newcastle United offer too good for Nottingham Forest to turn down

According to John Percy of The Daily Telegraph on social media platform X, Elanga himself did not push for a move but Newcastle’s offer is understood to have been regarded as too good to turn down.

The fact Forest have made a huge profit on the £13.5million they paid Manchester United for the player’s services in 2023 was simply too tempting for them.

The fee could rise to as high as £60million if the criteria for various add-ons are eventually met.

Anthony Elanga set for quick-fire Newcastle United debut

Eddie Howe’s squad are now back in pre-season training and Elanga is expected to arrive by the time they play the first game of their preparations.

Elanga could make his debut when Newcastle play Celtic on Saturday 19 July, 2025 at Parkhead in Glasgow.

That is a huge boost for the Newcastle United manager. Howe hasn’t been afforded a first-team signing in almost two years, so Elanga’s expected arrival will be a welcome relief on Tyneside.

Murphy’s form last season means he’s unlikely to be dropped instantly but having Elanga in the squad will help with depth. At only 23, too, there’s a huge scope for improvement under Howe.