⚽ Anthony Elanga Transfer Saga: Why Nottingham Forest Are Playing Hardball as Newcastle United Circle
As we enter the heart of the 2025 summer transfer window, the headlines surrounding Anthony Elanga’s future at Nottingham Forest are gathering pace. A saga that has been quietly brewing over the past year has now become a full-blown transfer tussle between Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United, with reports emerging of an improved bid worth over £50 million from the Tyneside club.
But even as the Magpies push forward with fresh offers and intent, Nottingham Forest’s stance remains clear and unwavering: Anthony Elanga is not for sale unless their £60 million valuation is met in full — or unless a compelling player-plus-cash deal is placed on the table.
The developments, the posturing, the motivations behind each club’s position, and the potential consequences of the transfer — or lack thereof — all paint a revealing picture of Premier League football’s modern transfer chess game.
🟢 Nottingham Forest: Playing the Long Game
Since signing Anthony Elanga from Manchester United in the summer of 2023 for a modest £15 million fee, Nottingham Forest have seen his value skyrocket. In just two seasons, the Swedish winger has gone from being a fringe player at Old Trafford to a cornerstone of Forest’s attack.
Elanga was one of Forest’s standout performers during the 2024/25 campaign. His blistering pace, improved finishing, and tireless work rate helped the Reds avoid relegation and, at times, look like genuine mid-table challengers. His stats, work ethic, and age make him a prized asset — and Forest are acting accordingly.
🔐 Elanga Isn’t Pushing for a Move
A key factor strengthening Forest’s position is that Elanga has not agitated for a move. According to sources close to the club, and as reported by Nottingham Forest News, Elanga remains happy and settled in the Midlands. His career is on the rise, he’s a regular starter, and he’s playing some of the best football of his life.
This is crucial. When a player wants to leave, selling clubs often face pressure to compromise — not this time. Forest’s hard stance isn’t just posturing; it’s based on real leverage.
💼 Evangelos Marinakis: No Nonsense at the Helm
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is known for his uncompromising style and deep involvement in club affairs. He has overseen a significant transformation at Forest in recent years, turning them from relegation candidates into a more organized, ambitious side with real staying power in the Premier League.
Under Marinakis, Forest are no longer a “selling club” by default. They are determined to build a core around young, high-ceiling talents like Elanga. Accepting a cut-price fee — or even just a “big” offer that doesn’t meet their valuation — would send the wrong message both inside and outside the club.
⚫ Newcastle United: Pressing Ahead with Urgency
On the other side of the table sits Newcastle United, a club with its own ambitions and growing pressure to deliver in the transfer market. Since their Saudi-backed ownership group took over in 2021, the Magpies have poured money into transforming their squad. But financial fair play and strategic recruitment mean they still have to choose their targets carefully.
🧩 Why Elanga?
Elanga ticks a lot of boxes for Eddie Howe and his recruitment team:
He’s young, Premier League-proven, and still developing.
He offers pace, width, and counter-attacking threat — key elements for Howe’s preferred tactical setup.
He’s versatile, able to play on either flank.
He has a relatively clean injury record and fits within Newcastle’s wage structure.
With their pursuit of João Pedro ending in failure — the Brazilian now heading to Chelsea — Newcastle have turned their full attention to Elanga.
💰 Newcastle’s Bids So Far
Initial offers in the £40–45 million range were quickly dismissed.
The latest bid, reportedly “over £50 million”, is their most serious yet.
While this new bid marks progress, it still falls short of Forest’s £60 million demand. Unless Newcastle are willing to bridge that gap, either in cash or via a sweetener (like a player), the deal remains at an impasse.
🔁 The Player-Plus-Cash Option
With Forest unmoved by cash-only offers so far, talk has turned to whether Newcastle might offer a player in part exchange.
🏃 Harvey Barnes: The Most Touted Name
One of the most commonly mentioned players in these discussions is Harvey Barnes. The 27-year-old winger had a solid if not spectacular season with Newcastle, and while talented, he hasn’t quite cemented himself as a guaranteed starter. For Forest, Barnes would represent an experienced, proven Premier League winger who could fill the void left by Elanga.
However, even if Barnes were to be included:
His age and ceiling are lower than Elanga’s, so Forest would likely demand £20–30 million on top.
Personal terms and medicals would need to align on both sides.
The club would need to determine whether Barnes fits their tactical needs and long-term plans.
🔄 Other Possible Players?
Newcastle may also explore offering other fringe players, such as:
Elliot Anderson – a younger talent who needs game time.
Ryan Fraser – experienced, though likely a tough sell for Forest.
Jamal Lewis or Emil Krafth – could sweeten a broader deal depending on Forest’s defensive needs.
However, such players may not move the needle in a negotiation for someone of Elanga’s calibre unless accompanied by significant cash.
🔮 What Comes Next? Possible Outcomes
As things stand, there are a few potential paths forward:
✅ 1. Newcastle Raise Their Offer to £60m
This remains the simplest and cleanest way to get the deal done. If Newcastle decide Elanga is a top priority — especially after missing João Pedro — they may eventually stretch to £60m. Forest will accept, and the player will depart.
🔁 2. A Deal Involving Harvey Barnes (or Another Player)
If Newcastle can’t or won’t pay £60m straight, a creative deal involving a player like Barnes plus £25–30m in cash could tempt Forest. This would require agreement on player valuations and personal terms but is a viable compromise.
❌ 3. Forest Shut Down Talks
If Newcastle’s next bid doesn’t close the gap, Marinakis may simply end negotiations. Forest are under no pressure to sell, and Elanga is happy. In this scenario, Newcastle may be forced to turn elsewhere — potentially abroad — or risk entering the season with a thinner attacking line.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Power, Patience, and Premier League Priorities
The Anthony Elanga saga is not just a story about one talented winger — it’s a snapshot of the modern Premier League transfer landscape.
Nottingham Forest, with a solid negotiating position, are asserting their right to set their own market values.
Newcastle United, though rich, must navigate financial regulations and make smart investments.
And Anthony Elanga, caught in the middle, is wisely staying quiet and letting the clubs do the talking.
Forest know exactly what they have in Elanga. If Newcastle want him badly enough, they’ll have to pay the price or get creative. Otherwise, Elanga will remain a Forest player, and the Reds will move forward with one of the league’s brightest young talents still in their ranks.
Either way, this saga looks far from over — and all eyes will remain on both clubs in the coming weeks.