Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga.
The 21-year-old has signed a five-year contract until the summer of 2028, with a rumoured fee of £15 million.
Elanga, who will wear the No.21 shirt for Forest, is Steve Cooper’s third summer acquisition, following the signings of defender Ola Aina and striker Chris Wood, who made his loan move permanent earlier this summer.
Speaking to the club’s official website on his arrival at the City Ground, Elanga said: “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.
Anthony announced 🔓 pic.twitter.com/cfz96tnevg
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) July 25, 2023
“I had interest from elsewhere, but for me, Nottingham Forest feels like the perfect place.
“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 makes it even more special.” I’m totally up for the task, and all I want to do is accept it all and go to work.”
“Anthony had a number of excellent options in front of him to choose from, so we are naturally delighted that he has chosen to become a Nottingham Forest player,” said chief football officer Ross Wilson.
“From the first meeting we had, he was so committed to all aspects of how he can continue to develop working with Steve on the pitch, whilst also being excited and embracing of the ambitions that [Evangelos] Marinakis has for the football club.”
Elanga is a Manchester United academy product who leaves the club after nine years and 55 games across all competitions, acquiring experience in the Premier League, Champions League, and Europa League.
“Making my debut, playing over 50 times for the first team, scoring in the Champions League, and winning a trophy for this incredible club,” the Sweden international wrote in an emotional parting message to United fans on social media. If you had told me all of that would happen when I arrived in England at the age of 11, I would have been overjoyed.
“I’ve known United since I was a young boy, when I watched a game from the Stretford End.”
“‘Rhythm is a dancer’ will always be with us.” Every time my family and I heard the chant, it meant the world to us. There aren’t enough words to express how grateful I am for your incredible support.
“Now is the ideal time for the next step in my career.” I live for football, and I need to be on the field every week doing what I love.”
Elanga might make his competitive debut for Nottingham Forest on August 12 when they travel to Arsenal for their first Premier League game of the 2023-24 season.
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