Newcastle United ‘Confident’ in Signing £55m ‘Electric’ Premier League Winger – Report | OneFootball

Newcastle United Eye Speed and Ambition in Potential Elanga Coup

In what could be one of the shrewdest transfer moves of the summer, Newcastle United are locked in negotiations over a deal for electric Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga. According to TEAMtalk, the Magpies are hopeful of completing the signing for around £55 million, despite Forest valuing the Swedish international at £65 million.

Given Elanga’s rapid rise in the Premier League over the past season, this move would not only represent a tactical upgrade for Eddie Howe’s attacking options, but also signal Newcastle’s continued evolution into a European-level force.

Elanga: A Rising Star With Elite Pace

Elanga joined Nottingham Forest from Manchester United for £15 million in the summer of 2023, and since then, the 23-year-old has lit up the City Ground with his blistering pace and creative output. He finished the 2023-24 campaign with six goals and 11 assists in 38 appearances — an impressive return for a player still establishing himself in England’s top flight.

He is, as TEAMtalk rightly highlight, “one of the quickest players in the English top flight.” That alone makes him a dangerous proposition, but when combined with his improving end product and positional versatility, it’s no wonder Newcastle are pushing hard.

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Crucially, the outlet also reports that Elanga “is keen on teaming up with Eddie Howe’s side and fulfilling his ambition of playing Champions League football,” a desire that adds further weight to Newcastle’s pitch.

Newcastle Confident of Breaking the Deadlock

While Forest have a strong hand — with Elanga under contract until 2028 and a sell-on clause owed to Manchester United — TEAMtalk sources suggest that Newcastle are confident a deal can be struck for £55 million. That figure would make Elanga Newcastle’s second-most expensive signing, only behind Alexander Isak’s £63 million arrival.

An additional complicating factor could be the interest from another unnamed Premier League club, although no formal bids have yet been reported. Still, Newcastle’s early and aggressive approach may keep them in pole position.

As per TEAMtalk, “his representatives [have been] engaging in multiple meetings with the Newcastle hierarchy over the past week,” which further illustrates just how serious the Tyneside club are about securing his signature.

Building for a Demanding Season

Elanga would join a forward line already featuring the likes of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, giving Howe a dynamic trio capable of terrorising defences both domestically and in Europe. His versatility to play on either flank or through the middle adds to his value.

But Newcastle’s ambitions do not stop at Elanga. The club are also targeting further reinforcements, including a new centre-back. Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is high on the list, with the England international entering the final year of his contract.

As TEAMtalk explain, “there is strong confidence he will be available for a good price,” and conversations have already taken place between Guehi and Newcastle’s recruitment team.

This targeted approach — pace, versatility and leadership — reflects the club’s growing maturity in the transfer market, blending ambition with pragmatism.

Elanga’s Fit in Eddie Howe’s Philosophy

One of Elanga’s standout qualities is his work ethic off the ball, something Eddie Howe values deeply in his tactical setup. With Howe’s pressing system and fluid attacking transitions, Elanga’s attributes could be maximised in a way that Forest or even Manchester United couldn’t quite unlock.

His hunger for Champions League football speaks volumes. It’s no longer just about a pay rise or more minutes — it’s about growth, exposure and silverware. That mindset aligns well with the culture Howe is building on Tyneside.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Newcastle fan, this feels like the sort of transfer that shows just how far we’ve come. Anthony Elanga is not just fast, he’s fearless. That performance against Manchester City last season — turning their backline inside out — was the moment I thought, we need a player like that.

For £55 million, it’s a steep price, but not in today’s market when you consider his age, experience and potential. He would thrive at St James’ Park. The thought of him and Gordon on either flank, with Isak in the middle and Bruno Guimarães feeding them, is honestly mouth-watering.

Elanga wants Champions League football, and we can give him that. He wants to develop under a top manager, and Howe has shown he can take raw talent and refine it. If we get this done, it’s a statement — not just that we’re spending, but that we’re building something sustainable and exciting.

Plus, if Guehi comes in too, that’s leadership and calmness at the back. We’ve got the ambition, now it’s about execution. Bring on next season. We’re ready.