“Newcastle United’s MIND-BLOWING Transfer Coup: ‘The GREATEST Player You’ll EVER See!’”

Anthony Elanga’s arrival at Newcastle United for £55 million was marked by a response that perfectly captured the kind of player the club have signed.

In his first official club interview, the 23-year-old wasted no time acknowledging the efforts of his new teammates – even those he’ll compete with for a starting place.

“Jacob [Murphy] and others were fantastic last season,” Elanga noted, without being prompted. “Everyone played a key role in getting the team to the Champions League. That’s massive.

Each player contributed, and I’m just excited to play alongside everyone… it already feels like a family club. You can feel the unity – on and off the pitch – and it really shows.”

It’s no surprise, then, that Neil Ryan – who coached Elanga through the youth ranks at Manchester United – described him to ChronicleLive as “well-mannered, respectful, and fully committed to football.”

Elanga is highly competitive but isn’t someone who will disrupt team chemistry.

This mindset aligns with Newcastle’s transfer strategy under Eddie Howe since 2021.

While the Magpies have added top-tier talents like Alexander Isak, Sandro Tonali, and Bruno Guimaraes, they’ve equally prioritized strong character and team-oriented personalities.

Squad harmony is so crucial to Howe that he personally reaches out to people who’ve worked with potential signings to assess their off-field traits.

He’s even enlisted recruitment consultants like Anton Robinson, who once told ChronicleLive that Howe wants to know “every single detail about the person” — from their living arrangements to their motivation and personal interests.

Elanga, by all accounts, ticks all the right boxes. On the pitch, he’s a dynamic and effective player. Off it, he’s a dedicated professional.

In fact, Elanga plans to set up a recovery room in his new home, where he’ll spend at least two-and-a-half hours after every match — regardless of what time the game ends.

Newcastle are not just gaining a talented winger capable of influencing games; they’re also signing someone wholly focused on self-improvement and committed to the team’s ethos. That’s what makes this deal so valuable.

The reaction from Nottingham Forest further reinforces Elanga’s character. The club, along with his former teammates, offered heartfelt well wishes upon his departure.

Ryan Yates summed it up best, saying Elanga will be “thoroughly missed” at the City Ground.