Newcastle Secure Elanga in £55m Deal

Newcastle United have secured the signing of Swedish forward Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest in a deal worth £55 million ($74m), both clubs confirmed on Friday.

The 22-year-old Sweden international departs Nottingham Forest after two productive seasons, where he made 82 appearances, scoring 11 goals and providing 21 assists.

"I had an amazing two years at Nottingham Forest who helped shape me into the player I am today," Elanga said in his first statement as a Newcastle player. “Now I'm excited to join a club that's building something special - their trophy win last season and Champions League ambitions were major factors in my decision.”

Elanga becomes Newcastle's first major signing of the summer transfer window as they prepare for Champions League football after narrowly missing out on qualification last season.

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe expressed his satisfaction with the acquisition: "Anthony has been a key target for us. Securing him early in pre-season gives him valuable time to integrate with the squad as we prepare for European competition."

The young winger's pace, versatility and creative output (21 assists in two seasons) are expected to bolster Newcastle's attacking options as they compete on multiple fronts in the upcoming campaign.