Nottingham Forest have signed winger, Anthony Elanga from Manchester United for an undisclosed transfer fee.
Elanga’s move comes after he failed to score any goals in 26 appearances under Erik ten Hag last season for United, although he did provide two assists – including as a substitute against Forest in Utd’s 3-0 first-leg victory at the City Ground in their EFL Cup semi-final which the Red Devils went on to win en-route to the title.
The 21 year-old leaves Man Utd after nine years in which he graduated through their youth academy and scored four goals in 55 senior appearances, with his last goal coming away to Atletico Madrid in February 2022 in their Europa League Knockout Play-Off tie, which Utd won en-route to finishing as runners-up.
Forest will reportedly pay a £15m fee after Elanga snubbed offers from Everton, West Ham and France’s Marseille, instead preferring a move to the City Ground, having signed a five-year contract until June 2028.
Speaking about his decision to join Forest, Elanga commented: “It’s a pleasure to be here. It’s a proud moment, not only for me, but for my family as well.
“It’s the perfect next step for me in my career, 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.”
Elanga went on to speak about having previously played against Forest for Utd as he added: “I’ve been here with United, and from the minute I stepped out for the warm-up, I could hear them from the changing room.
“It’s a special place, but being here with Forest, I feel like it will be even more special.”
The Swede also spoke of what he can bring to Forest’s attack as he continued: “This season, they can expect someone who is direct, positive and someone who will get them goals. I want to light up the fans and get them off their feet.
“I’m someone who will work hard not just on the pitch, but off the pitch as well.”
Elanga represents Sweden in international football where he has scored three goals in 12 appearances since he made his senior debut in March 2022, which came in a 1-0 win over Czech Republic as the Swedes then missed out on World Cup qualification following defeat to Poland in the Play-Off Path B Final.
Elanga could make his competitive debut for Forest away to Arsenal on 11 August live on TNT Sport in a 12:30pm BST kick-off.
