Anthony Elanga reacts with ‘see you soon’ message after Leeds agree another signing
Newcastle could follow in Leeds United’s footsteps as they chase the signature of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest this summer.
Elanga‘s future has been subject to speculation after his breakout season at the City Ground, in which he helped Forest secure a seventh-placed Premier League finish and reach the UEFA Conference League.
Forest had already rejected two bids from Newcastle and put a £60million price tag on Elanga’s head, but the Magpies’ persistence has now paid off in their efforts to strengthen their right flank this summer.
Newcastle finally struck gold on Tuesday (8 July) with a £55m fee agreed for Elanga at the third attempt, and the Forest winger looks set to join an international team-mate in making a Premier League switch.
Elanga responds to Gabriel Gudmundsson announcement at Leeds
Elanga’s move to St. James’ Park this summer will give Eddie Howe a second Sweden international in his front three alongside Alexander Isak at Newcastle, with both players displaying red-hot form last season.
Viktor Gyokeres is also on the verge of a big-money move to Arsenal this summer, and the Premier League’s Swedish contingent has also grown after newly-promoted Leeds announced their new signing.
Leeds completed a £10m deal to sign Lille left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson on Tuesday, and after the 26-year-old became the Whites’ fourth signing of the summer, he sent a message on Instagram (8 July).
Gudmundsson said: “New chapter. New challenge. Leeds United — let’s do this!”, and Elanga was one of several players to leave comments of support, saying: “Good luck to my brother! See you soon”.
Elanga prediction to come true with Newcastle transfer close
With a deal agreed for Elanga to leave Forest in a £55m move this summer, Nuno Espirito Santo will be keen to reinvest as quickly as possible with the Reds set to return to Europe for the first time in 29 years.
Newcastle also have a European campaign to prepare for after they qualified for the Champions League next season, and Elanga will provide ample squad depth on the right flank alongside Jacob Murphy.
The Magpies’ third match of the new Premier League season takes them to Elland Road, and with Gudmundsson expected to be Leeds‘ starting left-back, he and Elanga could be going toe-to-toe on 30 August.