One piece of transfer interest Nottingham Forest have been most wary of throughout the year has been Newcastle United’s chase of Anthony Elanga.
The Tyneside club were named admirers of the winger early in the recent summer transfer window, especially when both they and Forest were under pressure to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Understandably so as well, as Elanga was coming out a maiden campaign at the City Ground with five goals and nine assists to his name.
In the waning hours of August’s deadline day it was reported that a £35m offer was turned down by Forest, and ultimately the player stayed put. “I’m focusing on Nottingham and hope to have a good season, then we’ll see what happens,” he said at a later date.
“[Alexander] Isak talked to me about it but I said the same to him as I say to you. We have a good relationship and good chemistry when we play together, but I have a contract with Nottingham.”
He has continued to play an important role in Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans, helping the team to climb to eighth in the Premier League standings. However, as their rivals failed to find a replacement target to cover their right wing berth there remains the threat that they could return with another bid at Forest’s inconvenience.
But whilst unable to make a move for Elanga outside of the regulated business periods for Premier League sides, it seems Newcastle’s focus has been on renewing terms for the players they currently own. The latest to commit his future to St. James’ Park is the club’s 2023/24 player of the season, Anthony Gordon.
Alongside the announcement he posted to Instagram, writing the caption: “So proud to have signed a new long term deal. I’ve loved every minute of playing for this club, since the moment I signed. Some amazing memories so far and still so much more to achieve.”
Plenty of footballing stars sent their well wishes in the comment section of the post, including Forest’s Elanga. The 22-year-old simply wrote: “Congrats bro,” followed by a single clapping hands emoji.
The two players have never actually played together in their careers – only ever facing one another in the Premier League on Gordon’s path through Everton to the North East, and Elanga’s from Manchester United to his current settings.
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