Anthony Elanga’s transformation at Nottingham Forest has been one of the Premier League’s most captivating stories this season — not just because of the highlight-reel moments, but because of the sheer depth of his improvement, his mentality, and the way he has become the heartbeat of a Forest side chasing Europe. His incredible solo goal against Manchester United — a moment that sent shockwaves through the football world — is just the tip of the iceberg in what has become a breakout campaign for the 22-year-old Swedish winger.
The goal itself was emblematic of everything Elanga brings to the table. Picking the ball up deep in his own half, he surged forward with the kind of explosive pace rarely seen outside of Olympic sprint tracks. It was a run reminiscent of Usain Bolt — direct, powerful, unstoppable — and when the chance came to finish it off, he did so with ice in his veins. Scoring the winner against your former club is one thing; doing it in such emphatic fashion under the lights at the City Ground makes it unforgettable. It was more than a goal — it was a statement. A declaration that Anthony Elanga has arrived as a top-level footballer, ready to shine on his own terms.
But what followed that performance might be even more significant. Nottingham Forest, recognizing just how important Elanga has become to their ambitions, are now preparing to offer him a new long-term contract — despite the fact he still has three years left on his current deal. According to reports from the Daily Mail, club owner Evangelos Marinakis has made it a personal priority to reward Elanga’s performances, his professionalism, and his ever-growing role in the squad.
In a footballing era where contracts are usually only re-negotiated when a deal nears its end, this move speaks volumes. It shows how central Elanga has become to Nuno Espírito Santo’s project. Forest are no longer a club merely fighting for survival. They’re pushing up the table with European qualification firmly in their sights, and players like Elanga are the cornerstone of that vision. Marinakis clearly understands that, and his desire to tie Elanga down long-term is a strategic step to protect Forest’s most exciting asset.
Interest in Elanga has been bubbling away for months, particularly from Newcastle United. The Magpies, now financially supercharged and building a squad for domestic and European glory, have long admired Elanga’s skill set — his pace, his directness, his ability to stretch defences and link up with attacking players. Newcastle reportedly submitted offers in excess of £50 million for the Swede, hoping to partner him with fellow countryman Alexander Isak. But Forest held firm, refusing to entertain bids, not just because of Elanga’s on-field contributions, but because of what he represents off it. He is, in many ways, the poster boy for Forest’s new identity — young, hungry, explosive, and with massive potential.
And Elanga has made it clear that he’s in no rush to leave. He’s spoken openly about how much he loves playing at Forest, how settled he feels, and how much he appreciates the faith shown in him by the manager and the board. That sort of loyalty is rare in modern football, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. Forest know they have a player not just willing to stay, but one who wants to grow with them — and that’s invaluable.
Beyond the headlines and the transfer rumours, Elanga’s success is rooted in one fundamental trait: relentless work ethic. The Daily Mail report delved into the specifics of his training routines, painting a picture of a player obsessed with improvement. He works closely with Tom Joyce, a highly respected fitness coach trusted by elite footballers across the continent. Their sessions are not about vanity or general fitness — they are finely tuned to maximise Elanga’s unique skill set. One drill involves Elanga balancing on one foot while rapidly tapping targets with the other, designed to improve balance and change of direction at high speed. Another — his favourite — is the box jump, where he launches himself from a squat onto a raised platform. He’s managed to reach a staggering 6ft height, an elite-level feat for someone who stands just 5ft 10in tall.
It’s that kind of dedication that separates the good from the great. Every inch of progress Elanga has made — from fringe player at Manchester United to Forest’s star attacker — has been earned. He’s not coasting on raw talent; he’s enhancing it every single day. The consistency in his performances, the sharpness in his movement, and the composure in his finishing all point to a player who is refining every aspect of his game.
And he’s doing it all while handling pressure that would overwhelm many others. That’s why the recent comments from Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim — who bizarrely suggested that Elanga couldn’t handle pressure at Manchester United — fell flat. There’s no evidence of that now. If anything, Elanga has proven he thrives under pressure. Whether it’s leading the line in the absence of Chris Wood, or scoring match-winning goals against his former club, Elanga has shown a level of mental resilience and maturity beyond his years.
Inside the Forest dressing room, Elanga is seen as a model professional. He speaks four languages — Swedish, English, French, and Spanish — and is a unifying presence within the multicultural squad. He’s well-liked by teammates, trusted by coaches, and revered by fans who see in him the embodiment of everything they want Forest to be: exciting, fearless, and future-focused.
Pundits have taken notice too. Rio Ferdinand recently spoke about Elanga’s trajectory, saying he believes the winger is only just scratching the surface of his potential. “There’s so much more to come from Anthony,” Ferdinand said. “He’s learning how to dominate games, not just contribute to them. That’s the difference. And if he keeps developing like this, he’ll be one of the best wide players in the league.”
What comes next for Elanga could be even more exciting. With Sweden currently in a transitional phase, it’s hard to imagine national team selectors overlooking someone in this kind of form for much longer. Elanga hasn’t featured regularly for his country lately, but that’s surely about to change. Sweden would benefit enormously from the injection of pace, confidence, and technical quality that Elanga brings.
In summary, Anthony Elanga is no longer just a promising youngster with raw speed and flashes of brilliance. He’s become a complete attacking threat, a consummate professional, and a key figure in one of the most upwardly mobile sides in the Premier League. Nottingham Forest have every reason to build around him — and it appears they’re doing exactly that. A new contract, international recognition, and possibly European football are all on the horizon. Elanga’s star isn’t just rising — it’s blazing.