Replacing Elanga: Forest’s Search for a New Wide Threat Begins

Nottingham Forest have lost one of their most dynamic outlets—but gained a financial windfall few could have expected.

Anthony Elanga's sale to Newcastle United for a reported £55 million is a spectacular return on investment from the £15 million they bought him for just two years ago. The tricky winger was purchased from Manchester United and has become an integral part of the Forest squad.

🚨💣 EXCLUSIVE: Anthony Elanga to Newcastle, here we go! Deal in place club to club with Nottingham Forest for £55m.

Agreement also in place with player’s camp on long term deal. 🤍🖤

Excellent addition for #NUFC. pic.twitter.com/3Y6J90hFbe

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 7, 2025

Manchester United are understood to have a 15% sell on clause.

On the pitch, the Swedish international departs after two transformative seasons at the City Ground, scoring 11 goals and contributing 21 assists in 82 games for Forest.

But his impact extended far beyond raw numbers. Elanga’s blistering pace and intelligent link-up play became a constant menace for Premier League defences as he became part of a Nottingham Forest team that finished seventh last season—their highest position since the 1994/95 season.

His sale, while a blow to the squad’s immediacy, unlocks opportunity. It gives the recruitment team the financial flexibility to be active in the market. This transfer can not just replace Elanga, but reshape Forest's front line completely.

We have looked at five possible replacements for Elanga, a mix of experienced, Premier League-proven names and younger talents with high ceilings.

1. Yoane Wissa

Current club - Brentford

Stats last season - 39 games, 20 goals, 5 assists

Yoane Wissa, an international player for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has been a player that Nottingham Forest have shown interest in already. Forest were willing to submit a £25 million bid in January for the Brentford star, but their push fell short of Brentford's valuation.

🚨 EXCL: Nottingham Forest renew pursuit of Yoane Wissa - fresh offer made to Brentford for 28yo Congo striker. Bid falls under £25m #NFFC were prepared to pay in Jan window & considerably lower than #BrentfordFC valuation; in excess of £50m @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/KjaC08u83q

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 10, 2025

Forest may have to offer even more to gain the signature of Wissa if teammate Bryan Mbumeo joins Manchester United.

Whilst Wissa does not have the blistering speed of Elanga, he is a versatile player who can play in a wide or central position.

However, at 28, Wissa is nearing the peak of his career—meaning any resale in the future would come at a loss to Forest.

2. James McAtee

Current club - Manchester City

Stats last season - 27 games, 7 goals

The Manchester City starlet stands at 5ft 11in and is just 22 years old. He impressed in the recent under-21 Euros, playing 6 times, scoring once and assisting twice as England went on to retain their title.

He is a more creative central option opposed to a winger, but Forest seem keen as they look to bid up to £25 million for the young English star.

If Forest were to proceed, they would still be missing a gap where Elanga played, meaning they would need to look within their squad or explore the option of pushing McAtee into a wider role.

3. Timothy Weah

Current club - Juventus

Stats last season - 43 games, 6 goals, 5 assists

A third player that Nottingham Forest have been linked to, Timothy Weah is an American international who currently plays at Juventus.

It is unlikely that we will see him at the City ground next season, however, as it is reported that he has already snubbed Nottingham Forest and has chosen Marseille as his next club.

But as we all know, football is an unpredictable game. If something goes wrong with moving to the south of France, Forest could be right there to snap him up.

There should be major reservations around Weah, though. He is a fairly experienced forward who can play in the centre or on either wing, but his output in the final third is extremely inconsistent.

4. Adam Hlozek

Current club - TSG Hoffenheim

Stats last season - 37 games, 11 goals, 3 assists

A 22-year-old who can play in a myriad of positions—striker, centre forward, either wing and attacking midfield—Adam Hlozek could be the star that Forest are looking for.

He is a proven goalscorer—finishing top scorer of the 2020/21 Fortuna Liga with 15 goals—but is also a creative link in midfield.

Hlozek was also part of the 2023/24 Bayer Leverkusen squad that went unbeaten in the Bundesliga. He played 36 times across that season, contributing seven goals.

Signed by Hoffenheim in the summer of 2024, Hlozek could offer a creative link for Forest whilst also contributing goals. His contract does not run out until 2028, however, so Forest may have to overpay for the versatile attacker.

5. Johan Bakayoko

Current club - PSV Eindhoven

Stats last season - 47 games, 12 goals, 3 assists

Johan Bakayoko would be the closest fit that Forest could find for Elanga. A 22-year-old winger who has already played 18 times for the Belgium national team, Bakayoko could be the perfect replacement.

Just like Elanga, Bakayoko has blistering pace, which he uses to burn through defenders. He plays on the right wing, but is able to cut in to help his teammates.

Currently valued between £30–40 million, a move for Bakayoko would likely absorb the majority of Forest’s transfer funds from the Elanga sale.

Final Thoughts

Elanga's transfer is a huge loss for Nottingham Forest; that much is clear. But with the substantial cash soon flowing into the club—they could be looking at an extra £60 million if Morgan Gibbs-White moves to Tottenham Hotspur—Forest could be poised to not only replace him but strengthen their squad significantly.

Who would you like to see Forest sign?