📰 Forest Say No: Elanga Bid Rejected as Newcastle Fall Short…
Toon’s £45m approach blocked as Forest stand firm on valuation.
June 25, 2025 – Nottingham / Newcastle
Nottingham Forest have firmly rejected a £45 million bid from Newcastle United for winger Anthony Elanga, in what could spark one of the summer’s most drawn-out transfer sagas.
Sources close to the negotiations confirm that Forest view the Swedish international as a £60 million asset, and have no intention of letting him leave for anything less. Newcastle’s opening offer, while significant, was deemed “well below expectation.”
🗣️ “Anthony is a key part of our project,” a Forest club spokesperson said. “We are building around him, not selling him short.”
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🔎 Newcastle’s Interest Explained
Magpies manager Eddie Howe is eager to inject pace and directness into his forward line, and views Elanga as the perfect complement to Alexander Isak and Harvey Barnes.
Elanga, 23, impressed last season with 8 goals and 11 assists in the Premier League, quickly becoming one of Forest’s most dangerous outlets. His acceleration, composure, and improved end product have drawn praise from scouts and pundits alike.
🗣️ “He’s got that fearless streak,” said one Newcastle insider. “He drives at defenders, which is exactly what we’ve lacked in wide areas.”
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⏳ Forest Holding Firm
With three years left on his contract, Forest are under no pressure to sell. Club owner Evangelos Marinakis has reportedly instructed the recruitment team to resist any lowball offers unless the club receives a fee that reflects Elanga’s “international pedigree and future value.”
Forest are also believed to be planning to offer Elanga a new contract with improved terms in an effort to fend off interest from Newcastle and other clubs.
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🧠 What’s Next?
While Newcastle are expected to return with an improved bid, they may also consider alternative options, including Brighton’s Simon Adingra, PSV’s Johan Bakayoko, or even a loan move for Ferran Torres from Barcelona if Elanga proves too costly.
Despite the rejection, talks between clubs have not broken down, and Newcastle remain hopeful that Forest may soften their stance as the window progresses.
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📸 “Focused on Forest”
In a cryptic Instagram post just hours after the bid was made public, Elanga shared a photo from training with the caption:
“Tunnel vision. 🔴🌳”
— a possible message to fans that he remains focused… for now.
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⚫⚪ Newcastle will need to dig deeper — Forest aren’t ready to part with their star on the cheap.
📰 Newcastle Prepare Second Bid for Elanga as Winger Breaks Silence
June 27, 2025 – Newcastle / Nottingham
After seeing their £45 million bid rejected, Newcastle United are preparing an improved offer for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, believed to be closer to £52 million plus add-ons.
The Magpies remain determined to land the Swedish speedster, who has now publicly addressed the speculation for the first time — adding fuel to the fire in what’s become one of the transfer window’s most talked-about stories.
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🎙️ Mock Interview: Anthony Elanga Responds to Transfer Links
Q: Anthony, a lot of noise this week around Newcastle’s interest. What’s your reaction?
🗣️ “It’s flattering. Newcastle are a huge club with ambition, and any player would be proud to be on their radar. But I’m a Forest player right now, and I respect that fully.”
Q: Do you feel ready for a bigger stage?
🗣️ “I’ve grown a lot in the last year — mentally, physically, tactically. I always want to test myself. Whether that’s at Forest or elsewhere, I just want to keep improving.”
Q: Has anyone at Forest spoken to you about the situation?
🗣️ “The manager’s been honest with me. He knows there’s interest but has also shown trust in me. That means a lot. For now, I’m focused on preseason.”
Q: One word to describe your mindset right now?
🗣️ “Sharp.” (Smiles)
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💷 Second Offer Incoming
Newcastle’s revised package is expected to include performance-based clauses that could raise the total value of the deal to £58 million. Forest remain reluctant but are said to be “listening more carefully” this time around.
A breakthrough could depend on whether Elanga formally expresses a desire to move — something he has not yet done.
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🔍 Toon Alternatives?
While Elanga remains priority No. 1, Newcastle are keeping tabs on fallback targets including:
• Johan Bakayoko (PSV)
• Jesper Lindstrøm (Napoli)
• Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)
However, sources suggest Eddie Howe still believes Elanga is the “ideal fit” for his pressing and counter-attacking system.
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🧠 Behind the Scenes
Forest are simultaneously preparing to reward Elanga with a new contract if he stays, offering improved wages and a leadership role in their young squad. The winger is expected to make a final decision before Forest’s U.S. pre-season tour begins in mid-July.
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🔥 Saga Status: Ongoing
Expect more twists in the coming days — but one thing is clear: Elanga’s name is at the heart of one of this summer’s fiercest transfer battles.
🟡📺 BREAKING: Newcastle & Forest Reach Agreement for Anthony Elanga
June 29, 2025 – Sky Sports News Desk
🔴⚫ BREAKING: Newcastle United have reached a verbal agreement with Nottingham Forest to sign winger Anthony Elanga for a package worth up to £58 million, Sky Sports News understands.
The deal will see Newcastle pay an initial £52 million, with a further £6 million in performance-based add-ons, including appearance milestones and Champions League qualification clauses.
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📝 Deal Structure
• 💰 £52m guaranteed
• ➕ £6m in add-ons (Champions League, goals, starts)
• 📆 Five-year contract agreed in principle
• 🔁 Medical scheduled in the next 48 hours
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🎙️ Sky Sources:
“It’s a done deal in all but signatures. Elanga is keen, Newcastle have the financial package ready, and Forest feel the offer meets their valuation.”
The 23-year-old winger is expected to travel to Tyneside for his medical on Monday, with an official unveiling to follow early next week.
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⚽ What This Means
• 🔄 Forest will now accelerate moves for replacements, with Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ianis Hagi both linked.
• ⚫⚪ Newcastle finally land their top winger target, giving Eddie Howe a dynamic front three of Elanga – Isak – Gordon.
• 💬 Elanga is expected to give a farewell message to Forest fans before his move is confirmed.
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📸 Coming Soon on Sky Sports News:
• “The Rise of Elanga: From Manchester Roots to Premier League Star”
• “What Elanga Brings to Newcastle: Tactical Breakdown with Jamie Carragher”
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⚠️ Stay tuned — official confirmation expected in the next 24–48 hours.
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