Explained exactly why Newcastle United trying to sign Anthony Elanga – Essential reading | OneFootball

Newcastle United tried to sign Anthony Elanga on deadline day in August 2024, a deal worth in total £45m, that included Miguel Almiron heading to the City Ground and future potential add-ons.

That offer was rejected and then a wait of over ten months before another £45m NUFC offer was made. Although this included far more guaranteed cash, rather than a makeweight player and so much of it in future add-ons.

This second offer also rejected, only for a third Newcastle United bid for Anthony Elanga, this past week, that offer universally reported as being £55m and of course far closer to to the claimed £60m valuation Forest have on one of their key assets, best players.

My gut feeling is that the gap has been successfully bridged and we may well shortly hear that Anthony Elanga is indeed the first major summer signing for NUFC.

That then begs the question, if Eddie Howe and Newcastle United have been successful in reaching agreement with Forest and the player himself, why exactly are United buying Anthony Elanga, what does he have to offer?

This is essential reading below, an explanation on BBC Sport detailing what the 23 year would bring to Tyneside.

I though Anthony Elanga would be a very good signing if a deal could be done, having read this, I am even more excited now if this deal can be successfully completed.

‘Newcastle United’s pursuit of Anthony Elanga underlines just how far the Swedish winger’s stock has risen after a stellar 2024-25 campaign with Nottingham Forest.

With an improved £55m offer reportedly on the table, the Magpies are hoping to add his pace, precision, and end-product to their ranks ahead of a crucial season.

Elanga’s statistical profile paints the picture of a player not just improving, but excelling in some of the most important attacking metrics. The radar chart below, provided by Opta via FBref, shows Elanga ranking in the top percentiles among Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers across multiple categories.

A percentile score reflects how a player compares to his positional peers – being in the 80th percentile for goal-creating actions means Elanga outperforms 80% of similar players in that key attacking measure. His high percentile for shot-on-target percentage signals not just an eye for goal but efficiency in making goalkeepers work – he doesn’t waste chances.

His crossing ability sits near the top of the scale, a vital asset for any team relying on width and delivery. For comparison, none of Newcastle’s current wingers – Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, or Anthony Gordon – averages more than 4.85 crosses per 90 minutes, while Elanga averages 6.65.

Meanwhile, his progressive carries – how frequently he moves the ball towards goal – highlight his directness and willingness to take on defenders, adding dynamism to Forest’s attack. Even his goals per shot ratio reflects a sharpness in front of goal that is increasingly rare among wingers.

For Newcastle, these numbers represent everything they need: pace, efficiency, and creativity in the final third. Elanga, who can play wide or centrally, fits the profile of a player who could unlock defences both at home and in Europe.

His numbers aren’t padded by penalties or purple patches; they reflect consistent, high-level contribution. At 23, he still has room to grow…