Nottingham Forest may soon have to contemplate life without star winger Anthony Elanga, with Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side casting their eyes towards a Premier League star in search of a quality replacement.
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While nothing is signed or confirmed just yet, Elanga is gradually heading in the direction of Newcastle United – coming as a blow to Nuno as he prepares the club for their first campaign back in Europe for decades.
The versatile Sweden international was one of Forest’s most influential attackers last season in their chase for Champions League qualification, which went all the way to the final day, with Nuno’s side having to settle for a place in the Conference League through no fault of Elanga’s.
The 23-year-old bagged 12 assists and scored six goals in all competitions under Nuno last season, so much so that Newcastle are now attempting to agree a £55 million deal for Elanga with “positive” talks ongoing.
If Elanga does depart the City Ground, Forest were looking at PSV Eindhoven sensation Johan Bakayoko in January, and the Belgian is re-emerging as a rumoured target.
According to information from Nottingham Forest News, Liverpool forward Harvey Elliott is being considered as well, following his sublime performances with England at the Under-21 European Championship.
Elliott opened the scoring for England in their 3-2 final win over Germany late last month, helping Lee Carsley’s side with four other goals en route to the final, and the 22-year-old’s exceptional displays have placed him on the radar of numerous top-flight sides who could look to tempt him away from Anfield.
Liverpool will reportedly demand around £50 million to sell the former Fulham academy graduate, but this hasn’t deterred Forest.
Forest identify Harvey Elliott as potential Elanga replacement
According to Forest News, Elliott is on Nuno’s initial shortlist of potential replacements for Elanga, alongside Bakayoko.
The attacking midfielder struggled for Premier League minutes in an illustrious title-winning side last term, but contributed when called upon. Elliott was out for a large portion of the early-season with a broken foot, but began to find his own towards the latter stages of 2024/2025.
Elliott scored the winner in a 1-0 victory at PSG in the Champions League round of 16, after also scoring against both Lille and PSV in the league phase, so he’s a player capable of performing at the very highest level.
Clubs may well lure him with the promise of more consistent game time, and considering Elanga’s potentially imminent exit, we certainly cannot discount Forest.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if he looks to leave Liverpool this summer,” said former scout Mick Brown to Football Insider recently.
“There are a number of clubs in the Premier League and abroad who want to sign him. He’s a better player than a lot of people give him credit for, and when he comes on as a sub he always produces quality moments.
“It’s difficult to understand why he hasn’t been playing at Liverpool. Maybe he doesn’t get on particularly well with the manager, maybe he’s just not the right fit for their system, but he’s a very talented player.
“I expect clubs will be queuing up for him if he does become available. He’s the type of player who would add something to most teams in the country.”
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