Manchester United academy graduate has completed a £55m move to Newcastle from Nottingham Forest
Anthony Elanga is excited to play with “the best striker in the world” Alexander Isak at Newcastle, after completing his move to St James’s Park this week.
The former Manchester United man left Nottingham Forest in a £55m move to Newcastle, where he will be lining up in Eddie’s Howe’s attack alongside Sweden teammate Isak. Premier League champions Liverpool approached Newcastle for the possibility of a £120m deal for Isak this summer, but the club have dismissed any talk of selling their highly rated forward and he looks set to stay on Tyneside.
“For me, Alex is the best striker in the world,” said Elanga. “There is always going to be noise around him. He’s somebody I know from my national team, so I know how good he is.”
Asked his motivation for signing for Newcastle, the 23-year-old said: “There were a lot of factors that played into it: the city, the fanbase, as well as Alex (Isak), Anthony Gordon, Bruno (Guimaraes), Joelinton, Joe Willock.
“Also, winning a trophy after 70 years. Getting that winning factor back into the city. They came so close but now they have a trophy. I think that played a huge part.
“You can see in training, the intensity and competitiveness, it is second to none.”
Newcastle face Scottish club Celtic in Glasgow on Saturday in their first pre-season friendly of the summer, and Elanga could make his debut for the Magpies.
“I am really excited to put on this black and white shirt,” said Elanga. “It has a lot of history.
“It is something I really want to buy into. First and foremost, playing my first game will be amazing. I want to form partnerships with everyone, even outside the pitch, with different people.
“On the pitch, communicating, that rapport and that team spirit is vital.”
