Zlatan Ibrahimovic was ‘proud’ he could play alongside him, now Newcastle United want to sign £60m star

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic has played alongside three of the players in the Newcastle United squad. 

The Swedish legend lined up with both Emil Krafth and Alexander Isak during his illustrious playing career, while Ibrahimovic also played with Sandro Tonali at AC Milan. 

Now, Newcastle United are looking to sign another former teammate of the iconic striker in the form of Anthony Elanga. 

As was the case in the summer of 2024, Newcastle want to sign Elanga. Geordie Boot Boys however, understands that Nottingham Forest are prepared to demand as much as £60million for his services. 

Quite whether or not Elanga is worthy of becoming one of Newcastle’s most expensive players of all-time is up for debate. Still, he’s already had the seal of approval from Ibrahimovic. 

• READ MORE: What Cristiano Ronaldo told Anthony Elanga as Newcastle United ‘have transfer bid rejected’

What Zlatan Ibrahimovic said about Anthony Elanga  

Reflecting on Elanga’s rise to becoming a Sweden international in 2022, Ibrahimovic talked of his pride.

“A great talent, we are proud and happy that he comes from Sweden,” he said. “That he can represent Sweden now makes it even bigger.

“He has all the future ahead of him, and if he continues just as he has done, it looks positive.

“It’s just fighting, never being happy, striving for more. It depends on him, how far he can develop.”

Interestingly, Ibrahimovic also played with Elanga’s father Joseph at Malmo at the turn of the millennium. 

When Elanga junior reminded him of that, Ibrahimovic said: “We had some lunch at the training facility in Manchester with the team.

“Then this little guy comes up to me: “you know my dad”. And I just help myself: “Elanga”.

“And then it was just … okay.”

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s record with Anthony Elanga

The duo never actually played together for Manchester United, however. Elanga made his debut for the Red Devils in 2021, by which point Ibrahimovic had re-joined Milan.

Still, such was the longevity the striker enjoyed in the game, he did play alongside Elanga for Sweden. 

They briefly crossed paths on the pitch for the grand total of 11 minutes in March 2022. Both players came off the bench for Sweden in their 2-0 defeat away in Poland, who qualified for the World Cup in Qatar later that year with the victory. 

Having shone at Forest since leaving Old Trafford, Elanga looks to be proving Ibrahimovic right. How Newcastle would love to be involved in the next part of his journey.