LONG AND LOUD: NOTTINGHAM FOREST DEMAND MORE – NEWCASTLE TOLD TO RAISE £50M BID FOR ANTHONY ELANGA AS TRANSFER TALKS HEAT UP…
LONG AND LOUD: NOTTINGHAM FOREST DEMAND MORE – NEWCASTLE TOLD TO RAISE £50M BID FOR ANTHONY ELANGA AS TRANSFER TALKS HEAT UP...
🔴 Transfer Tug‑of‑War: Forest Hold Firm, Newcastle Urged to Up Offer
In a dramatic twist to the summer’s most talk‑worthy saga, Nottingham Forest are standing tall over Newcastle United’s pursuit of Anthony Elanga, insisting that any meaningful bid for their star winger must hit at least £50 million.
Newcastle had a previous offer of £35 million for the 23‑year‑old rejected outright, and while the Magpies returned with a second bid rumoured to be in the region of £40 million, senior Forest sources have reportedly dismissed it as “nowhere near acceptable” (footballinsider247.com).
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Forest are seeking a £15 million increase over Newcastle’s opening bid—to land squarely at a £50 million valuation (footballinsider247.com). O’Rourke’s Inside Track podcast reinforced that Newcastle must significantly raise their offer to stand any chance of anchoring a deal.
🔍 Elanga’s Edging: A Winger with Ambition
Anthony Elanga, a Swedish international, has emerged as one of Forest’s cornerstones during their impressive 2024–25 push. At just 23, Elanga played in every Premier League match last season, delivering six goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances for Forest . He has clearly carved out a key role in Nuno Espírito Santo’s counter‑attacking philosophy.
Notably, Elanga’s contract runs until 2028, granting Forest strong footing in negotiations (footballinsider247.com). Manchester United retains a possible sell‑on clause, though Forest remain in full control unless Newcastle—or another club—meets the price (teamtalk.com).
⚔️ Newcastle’s Strategy: Steady Progress but Forest Stand Their Ground
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle have persistently pursued a dynamic winger to support their Champions League ambitions. Elanga checks a lot of boxes: pace, directness, versatility, and top-flight proven Premier League success (teamtalk.com).
While Newcastle remain confident that a compromise might settle around £55 million, Forest’s stance is more ambitious, with some sources suggesting they may seek a figure closer to £65 million or even £70 million (teamtalk.com). The ongoing tug‑of‑war suggests both clubs may be inexorably inching closer—but there’s still work to do.
🌟 What Makes Elanga So Coveted?
- Explosive pace and dribbling ability—he terrifies defenders down the flank (teamtalk.com).
- A well-rounded six goals and 11 assists, highlighting both scoring and creative traits (teamtalk.com).
- Premier League durability, featuring in every league match—a rare sign of consistency.
- Contracts and control: Forest hold long-term under contract and operating from a position of strength.
- Personal ambition: Reports suggest Elanga is “keen to join Newcastle” to pursue Champions League football (footballinsider247.com).
🔄 Broader Transfer Landscape & Newcastle’s Winger Wishlist
Newcastle’s interest in Elanga comes amid a flurry of transfer strategy adjustments. They had eyed other flanks options: Bryan Mbeumo (now destined for Manchester United), Joao Pedro from Brighton (£60 million valuation), Mohammed Kudus, and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo all appeared on their radar (thesun.co.uk). But it’s Elanga who remains the main target.
Simultaneously, Newcastle may need to plan for Anthony Gordon’s potential exit—Liverpool recently submitted a staggering £75 million bid for the player . Should Gordon depart, compensation will be imperative—another reason to push harder for Elanga.
🔐 Forest’s Position: Champions League, Contract, and Confidence
Thanks to a 7th place finish, Nottingham Forest are poised for European qualification for the first time in nearly three decades (theguardian.com, en.wikipedia.org). This success grants them negotiation strength—after all, they have no pressing need to sell.
Unburdened by financial urgency, Forest’s leadership is scanning for potential replacements, aligning themselves for life without Elanga . Technical director George Syrianos is said to be looking at domestic talent to ensure they remain competitive (theguardian.com).
💼 Behind the Scenes: Elanga’s Ambition and Newcastle’s Move
Elanga’s agent, part of CAA Stellar, has reportedly engaged in “multiple meetings” with Newcastle officials in recent weeks (teamtalk.com). Meanwhile, Elanga himself has made public comments about focusing on his club, not the speculation—but sources close to Football Insider suggest he “wants to join Newcastle” and sees the move as a significant step in his career (footballinsider247.com).
🔼 What Happens Next: Forecasting the Outcome
- Will Newcastle bridge at least £50 million?
Recent bids of £35m and £40m were rebuffed. The latest intel suggests £50m is the minimum attention-grabbing figure that Forest will entertain (footballinsider247.com). - Could Forest hold out for £65–70 million?
As mentioned by TEAMtalk, insiders believe Forest will aim high—especially given their contract leverage and ambition (teamtalk.com). - Could another suitor—perhaps Arsenal or a European bidder—disrupt negotiations?
While Arsenal were linked to Elanga earlier, those links appear dormant for now . Meanwhile, unnamed Premier League clubs might yet explore moves if Newcastle falter . - Elanga’s potential: Champions League football awaits—and Newcastle’s European ambition is a strong draw. Forest’s ongoing European campaign ensures a potent backdrop, but it also motivates selling for the right price.
📊 Summary Comparison at a Glance
| Factor | Nottingham Forest | Newcastle United |
|---|---|---|
| Elanga’s contract | Runs through 2028, strong positioning | – |
| Forest’s status | No pressure to sell—European campaign incoming | Urgent to fortify flanks, especially if Gordon departs |
| Current bid | £35 m then £40 m—both rejected | Willing to push up to £50–55 m; £50 m demanded |
| Valuation | Insist on ≥£50 m, could stretch to £65–70 m | Eyeing £55 m cap, depending on flexibility |
| Player preference | Not publicly stated but managing stance | Elanga keen on Newcastle, Champions League appeal (teamtalk.com) |
| Other suitors | European clubs possible; Arsenal linked earlier | Joao Pedro pursued; need for wing reinforcement remains |
✅ Final Take
- Forest are in no hurry and have the stronger negotiating position.
- Newcastle must improve offer—£50 million is the defined floor; £55 m may seal it.
- Elanga’s preference and ambition align with Newcastle’s project—but winning over Forest’s valuation is critical.
- Potential complications include backup suitors and Forest’s ability to identify replacements.
📌 What to Watch in the Coming Weeks
- Will Newcastle table a £50 million+ bid? That is the number to beat.
- How will Forest respond? They may demand closer to £60m or refuse unless outright met.
- Will Elanga publicly nudge one way? Twitter/Instagram activity could hint.
- Could a rival swoop in? Any late interest could force a bidding war.
- Impact on other deals: Does this stop Newcastle pursuing Joao Pedro or tie them down financially?
🗣 Football Reinforced
Forest’s transformation feels complete: a smart, undervalued recruitment policy has birthed Champions League qualification, and players like Callum Hudson‑Odoi and Anthony Elanga symbolize their rise (thesun.co.uk, theguardian.com).
But football is cyclical. Newcastle’s ambition, backed by Champions League qualification, demands reinforcement—Elanga could be their explosive coup.
The next fortnight is critical: will a £50 million+ bid be lodged? And will Forest call Newcastle’s bluff or finally yield? The transfer window, never short on surprises, is entering a compelling new chapter.
📌 Stay Tuned
We’ll continue monitoring developments closely. The next major signal could come from a Newcastle board statement or a Forest refusal, or—dramatically—from Elanga himself, breaking silence. Stick with us for updates on this evolving saga.
