Anthony Elanga talks to media in Sweden about his start to life with Newcastle United | OneFootball

Anthony Elanga became Newcastle United’s first major signing of the summer.

Nottingham Forest desperate to hang on to their star winger but the player desperate to move to St James’ Park.

A long-term Eddie Howe target, who NUFC had previously tried to sign a year earlier, only for Forest to refuse to sell.

In July 2025 though, Anthony Elanga finally became a Newcastle United player, in a deal reportedly costing up to £55m, with £52m guaranteed and then up to a possible further £3m in future add-ons.

Adjusting to the demands and expectations of Eddie Howe, as well as his new surroundings and teammates, the former Forest winger has had varying form so far for Newcastle United.

I think the two Champions League matches are the clear stand outs.

Newcastle’s best and most dangerous player in the first half against Barcelona, Elanga’s pace and direct running opened up the visitors. In particular, creating two great chances for Gordon and Barnes but neither able to add the finish that the Anthony Elanga set-ups deserved.

Then the 4-0 match against Union S-G, Anthony Elanga opening up the home side. His cross led to the opening goal for Nick Woltemade, then it was 2-0 at half-time as Elanga’s run was ended by a clear foul in the box and Anthony Gordon put the spot-kick away.

Anthony Elanga signed off for the internationals when helping NUFC to a key home victory over his former club Forest, not his best personal performance so far, but maybe no surprise when playing against his former teammates so soon after leaving.

Sweden have two crucial World Cup group qualifiers to come, both at home, Switzerland on Friday (10 October) and then Kosovo on Monday (13 October).

Then back to Newcastle United for the away game at Brighton on Saturday 18 October.

Anthony Elanga quizzed by the media in Sweden about his start to life with Newcastle United:

“It is a marathon, not a sprint.

“It is about just staying focused.

“I know how good I am and how good I can be.

“When I get the chance, I have to take it.

“When a goal comes, it will click.

“It is a new system, new players and they will get comfortable with me and I with them.

“He (Eddie Howe) is a fantastic coach, who I am learning a lot from.

“For me, he is the best coach I have ever had.

“He helps me a lot on and off the field and I feel like I am getting better, that is the most important thing.

“I have played ten games, started six of them.

“We will have 60 games this year and the coach is smart and knows what he’s doing.

“The way we play takes a lot of strain on the body…it requires intensity.