Nottingham Forest recently rejected Newcastle United’s £45 million offer for winger Anthony Elanga. After an outstanding 2024–25 season in which he scored six goals and disheveled eleven assists in 38 games, helping Nottingham Forest secure a seventh-place finish in the Premier League, manager Eddie Howe is eager to expand his attacking options and has set his sights on the Sweden international.
This isn’t the first time Newcastle has approached for Elanga; they previously made a £50m offer in August 2024, which was also rejected due to its timing, arriving too late on transfer deadline day. Following that bid, Elanga discussed his situation with Fotbollskanalen, touching on the interest from Newcastle and his connection with Alexander Isak, who plays alongside him for Sweden.
In his remarks, Elanga appeared open to the prospect of a move to Tyneside, stating he would “see what happens” at the end of the latest campaign. In September 2024, he mentioned: “Isak talked to me about it (the bid) but I said the same to him as I say to you. I’m focusing on Nottingham and hope to have a good season, then we’ll see what happens. We have a good relationship and good chemistry when we play together, but I have a contract with Nottingham.”
Elanga and Isak, both of whom have attracted interest from other clubs, including Liverpool and Arsenal, have played 12 games together for Sweden, securing five wins while failing to combine for any goals.
Regarding the recent bid from Newcastle United, Graeme Bailey – Chief Correspondent for TBR Football – provided insights from sources at the City Ground. Bailey reported that Nottingham Forest has no intention of parting with any of their key players this summer, as they look to support manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who has signed a new contract. The Reds have reportedly dismissed Newcastle’s latest attempt, stating they’ve had no discussions regarding Elanga and are not currently interested in selling him, with sources emphasizing that there is “no price tag on his head.”
To spark any serious consideration from Nottingham Forest, it’s understood that a bid of at least £63m – mirroring the fee Manchester United paid for Matheus Cunha from Wolves – would be necessary, indicating a significant disparity in valuation between the two clubs.
