Murillo and Joelinton respond to Elanga’s message to Nottingham Forest ‘family’
Murillo and Joelinton both reacted as Anthony Elanga sent a message to Nottingham Forest supporters following his departure.
The Sweden international joined the Reds for just £15million two summers ago [BBC Sport], going on to make 82 appearances, notching 11 goals and 21 assists, with the club now making £40m in profit.
Nuno Espirito Santo took time and effort to nurture the winger into the player he is today, playing a key role as Forest secured European football for the first time in 30 years via the Premier League.
Joined by Morgan Gibbs-White, whose move to Tottenham appears to have collapsed, Chris Wood, and Callum Hudson-Odoi in the final third, the Reds were a force to be reckoned with.
Of course, supporters are devastated by the 23-year-old’s big-money move to Newcastle United this summer, and the player has directly addressed those grieving fans in his latest message.
Anthony Elanga joins Newcastle United
Taking to Instagram (12 July), Elanga wrote: “My Forest family – it’s been real! From day one, the love has been crazy, and I felt it every time I stepped on that pitch.
“Grateful for the memories, the lessons, and the chance to wear that shirt with pride. Big love to my teammates, coaches, and all the backroom staff, and to the City Ground faithful…
“You all made it special. I’ll never forget that feeling of walking out of your energy. Time for the next chapter. But this one? Forever my heart. Thank you, Nottingham Forest. You Redsssss.”
Callum Hudson-Odoi responded with crying and love heart emojis, with former teammates Murillo and Ola Aina liking his post, also gaining likes from Newcastle’s Joelinton and Sandro Tonali.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s Nottingham Forest falling apart
Football Insider verdict
While new deals for Neco Williams and Aina have emerged as good news for the Reds, the most important players appear to be dropping like flies this summer.
Tottenham had triggered the £60m release clause for the club’s best player, but Forest are now considering legal action over Spurs’ “illegal” move for Gibbs-White.
If the England international is to join Elanga out of the exit doors, Espirito Santo would be losing a total of 33 goal contributions from the Reds’ 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
Murillo, Aina, and Jota Silva have all been linked with exits, but with moves already made for Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha, the manager is trying to fill gaps in the squad ahead of next season.
Supporters are concerned about Forest’s chances in the Premier League next season, and that may get even more difficult after the Reds were bumped up to the Europa League in Crystal Palace‘s place.
The profit from Elanga’s departure needs to be reinvested smartly over the coming weeks, otherwise Forest risk getting caught up in last season’s success.