Anthony Elanga blows fans away in first big interview for Newcastle - Watch here

It’s been a long time coming, but Newcastle United fans can finally rejoice in having signed a first team star after a two year wait!

Friday night saw the club officially announce the signing of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest for £55m, making him the joint-second most expensive player in our history.

And the Swede has already taken no time to impress, with his first official interview absolutely superb and one of the best we’ve seen from a new signing in many a year.

Watch it in full below, where the 23-year-old’s ambition, intelligence, excitement to be here and determination to deliver while appearing calm and considered makes for such a refreshing mix!

https://youtu.be/sIBCZy5lHEo?si=X9xWeh2OhqhWl-2H

“We’re building something special” - Elanga

The likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak and Sandro Tonali have each raved about our football-mad city after joining.

And we can now add Elanga to the long list of players who’ve already fallen in love with the raucous Geordie atmosphere and passion, with the Newcastle project as a whole greatly appealing to him.

“For me, I say we because I’m part of the team now, we’re building something that’s unique and special. And I really want to buy into the culture of the club and the DNA of the club: it’s the perfect time to join having won a trophy last year.

Elanga is also keen to build on last season’s Carabao Cup triumph and help the club achieve further success domestically and in the Champions League.

“That’s amazing and I just want to be part of that now, create more history with the club and put on the black and white shirt.”

“I think the club is on an upward trajectory, and what they’re building is really special.”

Eloquent Elanga excited to be here

Eddie Howe has been chasing Elanga for at least a year, with the winger being subject to both a dramatic deadline day bid last summer, and being earmarked as a top target earlier this window.

And now the gaffer has finally got his man, Elanga seems raring to go and impress, appreciating the positive reception he’s got from the staff and players so far.

“It feels amazing to get this over with, I’m just happy to be here, seeing some of the lads and stuff already. Everyone’s welcomed me with open arms, excited to be here.”

“It’s really exciting. They’ve got amazing players, amazing staff and an amazing manager, who I’m really excited to work under.”

“I’ve had a chat with him already, got good ideas for what’s to come this season.”

’Agent Will Osula’ and long friendship

Howe and the recruiting team may work hard, but if we’ve learned one thing this window, it’s that Will Osula works harder.

Having first met when the pair were barely teenagers at Man Utd, Elanga sees Osula like a little brother, and even cites the Dane as a key reason as to why he made the switch from the City Ground.

“He’s not changed, he’s still the same Will Osula that everyone knows. But he’s told me amazing things about the club, and he’s one of the reasons that I wanted to come and join, talked so highly of it. Seeing him today, I couldn’t stop smiling.”

Osula isn’t the only current name that Elanga’s close with. Alongside compatriots Isak and Emil Krafth, the 23-year-old also revealed that he spoke to the likes of Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento (from their time in the England youth system) who have helped Elanga swiftly settle in.

“When I came through the building today, it felt like I’d been here longer than two years, so I’m happy to see everyone, still got a few people to see, it’s a great start.”