It continues to be a busy summer at Old Trafford as Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag continues reshaping the first team playing squad in his own image, and Nottingham Forest look like they may have cleverly capitalised on one of the more recent casualties as they have now announced the capture of Sweden forward Anthony Elanga.
The 21 year old has been with the Red Devils since he was 12 years old, and he made his first team breakthrough back in 2021 – going on to make 55 appearances across all competitions for them prior to his departure.
It is believed that Forest and manager Steve Cooper have agreed a £15 million fee for the young talent, and whilst he seems slightly disappointed to leave his incredibly familiar surroundings, he is certainly relishing the new adventures that lie ahead, as the City Ground outfit definitely surprised quite a few in the wider world of football last season (particularly in light of their summer squad upheaval). For those who like a flutter, it is likely there are decent odds out there on Forest achieving just that again in the year to come.
“It’s a pleasure to be here. It’s a proud moment, not only for me, but for my family as well. It’s a big step and I’m really looking forward to playing in front of the Forest fans at the City Ground. I had interest from elsewhere, but for me, Nottingham Forest feels like the perfect place. I’ve been here with United. It’s a special place, but being here with Forest, I feel like it will be even more special. I’m ready for the challenge.”
Elanga had been with Ten Hag on their pre season tour of the United States, but with a deal looking likely, he was allowed to travel back to complete the formalities, agree his new contract and complete his medical so he could join their pre season build up ahead of the coming year.
He is Cooper’s second capture of the summer as he looks to build on his own successes since joining them, and Elanga follows defender Ola Aina in through the doors despite interest from Germany and it is believed Everton in particular.
Forest’s chief football officer, Ross Wilson, said of the capture.
“Anthony had a number of excellent options in front of him to choose from so we are naturally delighted that from those he has chosen to become a Nottingham Forest player.”
Having finished four points ahead of the drop zone on their return to top flight football, Forest will be determined to consolidate on that finish and maybe edge their way a little bit closer to the middle of the pack at this time of asking.
It will not be easy as teams will now know what to expect from them, and although Elanga did not have a great scoring record at United, he is clearly one for the future and if he finds his feet at Forest – without the pressure that comes with being at United – he could well thrive.
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