After leaving Manchester United, he reemerged as a top winger in the Premier League. Antony Elanga (23) joined Newcastle United for a transfer fee of £55 million (approximately 102.3 billion won).
Newcastle announced on the 12th (Korea time) through their official website, "We have signed a long-term contract with Nottingham Forest's winger Elanga. He will join the 'Magpies' after playing an important role in helping the team qualify for European competitions, contributing 6 goals and 11 assists in Nottingham's impressive season.
It was noted that 23-year-old Elanga, a teammate of Alexander Isak in the Swedish national team, arrived at City Ground (Nottingham's home ground) in the summer of 2023 and surpassed 100 appearances in the Premier League. He made his professional debut in May 2021, scoring his first Premier League goal.
Eddie Howe, Newcastle's manager, expressed, "We are delighted to welcome Elanga. He was a key target for us, so we are pleased to secure him early in the preseason. Elanga possesses unique traits that make him an offensive threat and exciting talent. His speed, energy, and ability to create and score goals will make our team stronger."
Elanga also stated, "I am really happy and excited, but the most important thing is that I am ready. I am prepared to wear this black and white uniform, fight for this team, and give everything for our passionate fan base that brings energy to the match." He added, "I had an incredible two years in Nottingham and received great support. However, I am truly happy to be here now. I really want to share the culture and DNA of this club. I am thrilled to be here and can't wait to start."
Elanga made a blockbuster transfer. According to local media reports, his transfer fee consists of a base amount of £52 million (approximately 96.7 billion won) plus a bonus of £3 million (approximately 5.6 billion won). The total package could reach £55 million.
Elanga's value has increased more than threefold in two years. Nottingham paid £15 million (approximately 27.9 billion won) to Manchester United when they acquired him in the summer of 2023, making a significant profit from this transaction. Manchester United also benefited from a 15% sell-on clause for amounts exceeding £15 million, earning £6 million (approximately 11.2 billion won).
Elanga's contract is reported to be for 5 years, and his jersey number has yet to be determined. Newcastle stated that they will decide his uniform number during the preseason.
Elanga has spread his wings after leaving Manchester United. The winger, hailing from Sweden, joined Manchester United's youth team in 2014 and made his debut in the first team in 2021. Elanga was expected to be a major prospect but could play only 39 matches over two years, being overshadowed by senior players, and scored just 3 goals.
Ultimately, Manchester United chose to part ways with Elanga in the summer of 2023. Several teams showed interest, but Nottingham emerged as the final winner. This turned out to be the right choice. Elanga contributed to Nottingham's survival in his first season, recording 39 appearances with 5 goals and 9 assists, and last season, he scored 6 goals and provided 12 assists in 43 appearances, leading the team to qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL).
In April of last year, he even delivered a blow to his former team Manchester United. At that time, Elanga sprinted 85 meters in 9 seconds during a counterattack and scored an impressive 'solo goal.' His goal reminded many of Heung-min Son's Puskas Award-winning goal in 2020 against Burnley, where he dribbled past multiple defenders. Thanks to this, Nottingham defeated Manchester United 1-0 and secured 3 points.
Elanga, who delivered dazzling performances, drew interest from many big clubs and has now joined Newcastle. Manager Howe, who wanted him last summer, has fulfilled his dream after a year. Elanga is set to visit Korea with his Newcastle teammates later this month to play preseason friendly matches against Team K League and Tottenham. This marks Newcastle's first visit to Korea in its history.
[Photo] Newcastle, OneFootball social media.
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