By Sami Mokbel, Senior Football Correspondent

Newcastle United have reached an agreement with Nottingham Forest to sign Swedish winger Anthony Elanga for a reported fee of £55 million, BBC Sport has learned. The move is expected to be finalized later this week.

The 23-year-old has attracted significant attention following an outstanding 2024–25 Premier League campaign under Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo, during which he contributed six goals and 11 assists.

With a return to the Champions League on the horizon after finishing fifth in the league last season, Newcastle are keen to bolster their attacking options. Elanga would be their first major signing of the summer, with teenage winger Antonio Cordero joining earlier on a free transfer from Malaga.

A Rising Star

Elanga’s stock has soared since his £15 million transfer from Manchester United to Forest in July 2023. A product of United’s youth academy, Elanga joined the club at age 12 and made 55 senior appearances before moving to the City Ground.

At Forest, he quickly developed into one of the league’s most exciting attacking threats. His pace, precision, and versatility—playing both on the wings and centrally—have made him a standout performer.

What Makes Elanga Special?

Elanga’s numbers from last season underline his growth and potential. According to data from Opta and FBref, he ranks among the top Premier League wingers in several key attacking metrics:

• 80th percentile for goal-creating actions, meaning he surpasses 80% of players in similar roles.
• High shots-on-target percentage, showing efficiency and the ability to make goalkeepers work.
• Crossing ability, averaging 6.65 crosses per 90 minutes, far ahead of Newcastle’s current wingers like Anthony Gordon or Harvey Barnes, none of whom average more than 4.85.

His progressive carries—the number of times he drives the ball forward—reveal a player who is not afraid to take on defenders and advance play.

Even his goals-per-shot ratio is impressive, pointing to clinical finishing—something rare in wingers.

What He Brings to Newcastle

Elanga’s skillset—speed, directness, creativity, and consistency—makes him an ideal fit for Newcastle’s evolving attacking blueprint. His ability to break down defences and deliver quality service in the final third could prove vital both in domestic and European competitions.

With his best years still ahead of him, Elanga represents a blend of promise and proven performance—exactly what Newcastle need as they prepare for the challenges of a Champions League campaign.