🟥 Nottingham Forest’s Situation:
Losing Anthony Elanga: A Blow to Forest’s Plans:
The anticipated loss of Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United is a significant setback for Nottingham Forest. Initially, this move was seen as a major coup for Forest — signing a young, dynamic winger from Manchester United who had shown flashes of potential but had been somewhat out of favor at Old Trafford. Elanga had the raw attributes that made him a strong candidate for success in the Premier League: speed, creativity, and a goal-scoring instinct.
Forest had been positioning themselves to build a stronger, more competitive squad, especially after a somewhat inconsistent season in 2023/24. Elanga’s arrival seemed like it could add depth and flair to their attack, alongside established players. However, the fact that Newcastle has managed to wrap up a £55m deal (which could rise to £60m with add-ons) is a tough pill for Forest to swallow, especially with the uncertainty around those add-ons.
The rumors that these add-ons might never trigger — even if Elanga has an outstanding season at Newcastle — will only add salt to the wound for Forest’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis. Financially, this deal might not give Forest the windfall they were hoping for, and the lack of additional income from performance-related add-ons will undoubtedly feel like a missed opportunity.
The Ripple Effect: Enter Yoane Wissa:
With Elanga on his way out, Forest immediately turned to Yoane Wissa of Brentford as their top target. Wissa, who has been a standout performer for the Bees in recent seasons, would be an excellent fit for Forest. He offers a degree of versatility that would allow him to play both centrally and out wide, which fits perfectly with the attacking needs Forest has. Wissa’s pace, dribbling, and finishing ability make him an attractive target, and his experience in the Premier League adds to his appeal.
Given Forest’s transfer strategy under new manager Nuno Espírito Santo, they’ve looked to reinforce the squad with versatile, dynamic players who can provide flexibility in attack. The signing of Igor Jesus, a more traditional central forward, made sense for Forest as they aimed to improve their options in the striking department. However, Wissa, who can operate in multiple attacking roles, would complement Jesus well, giving Forest a diverse attacking threat. The ability to alternate between a more direct, central attack (through Jesus) and a more fluid, wide-forward approach (with Wissa) could give Forest’s attack more unpredictability.
But as reports now indicate, Newcastle United is also interested in signing Wissa. This puts Forest in a difficult position, as Newcastle’s pulling power — not just financially but also in terms of sporting ambition — makes them a strong competitor in the race for Wissa. While Forest may still have a chance at prising Wissa away from Brentford, Newcastle’s attraction as a team pushing for European football could give them the edge.
Forest’s Tactical Needs and Financial Constraints:
Nottingham Forest, despite being a Premier League club, is still operating under certain financial constraints due to their relative position in the Premier League hierarchy. While they have made some key signings, they can’t compete with the financial muscle and allure of Newcastle, a club with greater resources, especially following their recent ownership takeover by the Saudi Public Investment Fund. This gives Newcastle a significant advantage in terms of attracting players like Wissa, who might be more tempted by a move to a club with aspirations of challenging for Europe.
For Forest, this financial gap becomes more apparent when it comes to negotiating for a player like Wissa. If they want to keep pace with other clubs in the league and avoid relegation battles in the coming seasons, Forest must continue to make smart moves in the transfer market. The pressure to land a replacement for Elanga is growing, and Wissa was seen as a ready-made solution. If they fail to secure him, Forest may have to consider alternative options, but as we’ll see, those alternatives come with their own challenges and risks.
⚫️⚪️ Newcastle United’s Ambitions and Strategy:
Elanga and the Big Picture:
Newcastle’s signing of Anthony Elanga could be the first part of a larger transfer strategy that focuses on adding young, dynamic attacking talent to their squad. Under manager Eddie Howe, Newcastle has transitioned into a team capable of competing for European spots. Their high pressing, quick transitions, and commitment to building from the back requires players who can provide not only technical ability but also versatility.
Elanga fits this mold perfectly. With Callum Wilson leaving the club, a gap has emerged in Newcastle’s forward line, particularly in terms of depth. Elanga, who is still developing but has the potential to be a top Premier League player, can slot into the wide right role in a 4-3-3 formation, providing the pace and dribbling ability to stretch defenses and create chances for Alexander Isak, the Swedish striker who is expected to be Newcastle’s main goal-scoring threat. Elanga can also provide valuable competition for other wide attackers in Newcastle’s squad, like Miguel Almirón, who can be inconsistent at times.
However, the signing of Elanga does not seem to be the end of Newcastle’s business. The interest in Yoane Wissa is another key piece of their transfer strategy, particularly in light of Wilson’s departure. Wissa’s flexibility in attack — able to play across the front line and adapt to various attacking systems — makes him a strong fit for Howe’s evolving tactical setup.
Wissa’s Potential Role at Newcastle:
If Newcastle succeeds in signing Wissa, it would further cement their depth in attacking options. Wissa’s versatility would allow Howe to rotate his squad while maintaining high intensity. Wissa could complement Isak, play in a wide position, or even step in as a second striker, which would be particularly useful in games where Newcastle needs more goals. His ability to adapt and play in multiple positions would ensure that Howe has the flexibility he needs to juggle domestic and European commitments, should Newcastle qualify for continental football.
While the Elanga deal provides a clear solution to Newcastle’s wide-attacking issues, the potential acquisition of Wissa would bolster their squad in multiple ways, ensuring they have a competitive edge for the season ahead. With their eyes on European football, Newcastle is building a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts, and Wissa could be another key piece of the puzzle.
🐝 Brentford’s Reluctance to Sell:
Why Brentford Don’t Want to Lose Wissa:
For Brentford, the prospect of losing Yoane Wissa is a difficult one. With Thomas Frank’s departure, and the possibility of other key players like Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Norgaard leaving, it’s clear that Keith Andrews, the club’s new manager, will want to stabilize his squad rather than strip it down further. Brentford, historically, have been a club that punches above its weight, but losing three key players in one window could leave them dangerously thin.
Wissa, who has been a reliable performer for Brentford in recent seasons, is crucial to their attacking setup. He brings pace, skill, and a goal-scoring ability that would be hard to replace. Losing him, particularly in a window where other key players might depart, would leave Brentford with even fewer options up front.
Brentford’s Financial Position and Negotiation Power:
Brentford, like many clubs of their stature, is not in a position where they can afford to lose multiple first-team players. With that in mind, Andrews is likely to resist any offers that don’t meet Brentford’s valuation of Wissa. The £30m+ price tag that’s been mentioned could be the minimum required to prise Wissa away. Given the interest from both Newcastle and Forest, Brentford may be able to use this competition to drive up the price even further, increasing their financial return from any sale.
⚔️ The Battle for Wissa: Who Will Win?
The battle for Yoane Wissa is not just about who can meet Brentford’s asking price; it’s also about who can offer Wissa the most attractive package. Newcastle, with their financial power and ambitions, might be the more enticing destination for Wissa, especially if they can offer him European football. However, Nottingham Forest may yet have a chance to secure him if they are willing to make a strong offer and if Wissa is swayed by their own ambitions for the season.
Forest’s Potential Alternatives:
If Forest is unable to land Wissa, they must turn their attention to other targets. Possible alternatives include:
- Morgan Gibbs-White:
While primarily an attacking midfielder, Gibbs-White has the ability to play as a forward and could add versatility to Forest’s attack. His Premier League experience and link-up play could make him a strong replacement for Elanga. - Che Adams (Southampton):
If Forest is looking for a more traditional central striker, Che Adams could be a good option. He brings physicality, work rate, and a decent goal-scoring record in the Premier League. - Emiliano Buendía (Aston Villa):
Should Aston Villa decide to invest elsewhere, Buendía could be available. His creativity and playmaking ability could add a different dimension to Forest’s attack, playing both as a winger and central forward. - Jesse Lingard (Free Agent or Loan):
Lingard could be an option again for Forest, particularly given his experience and his ability to play multiple forward roles. However, his form and fitness will be key factors to consider.
🔄 Conclusion:
The battle for Yoane Wissa is a fascinating subplot in this summer’s transfer window. Both Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United are vying for a player who could significantly improve their attacking depth. Forest faces the challenge of having to act fast and decisively, especially as Newcastle gains traction in the race. However, the outcome of this saga will be shaped not only by the financial terms offered but by Wissa’s own ambitions and the broader shifts in the Premier League power structure. Brentford, on the other hand, holds the key and will be under no pressure to sell unless the right offer comes in.
This transfer race could be pivotal in shaping the futures of these clubs, so it will be interesting to see how things unfold. Would you like to explore potential alternative forward options for either Forest or Newcastle, or do you have any other thoughts on how this situation might play out?