Early this morning, Newcastle United officially announced the signing of 23-year-old Swedish winger Ilanga from Nottingham Forest. It is reported that Yilanga transfer fee is based on 52 million pounds + 3 million pounds floating, and the contract has been signed for 5 years. The Athletic wrote an article covering the story behind the transfer.
Just 48 hours after reaching a deal framework between clubs, Newcastle was still worried about the deal on the verge of breaking down on Saturday night local time. Some sources close to negotiations really believe the deal is almost hopeless.
Eddie Howe has been eager to make a breakthrough in transfers, but Newcastle has experienced many setbacks such as Mbemo, Wyson and Joao Pedro. Since Yilanga is transferring a brokerage firm, the situation involved is complicated, the deal may be delayed for at least a few weeks. Until Sunday, some in Newcastle still found these problems difficult to overcome, although people close to the players insisted that Iranga wanted to join Newcastle whether now or late in the transfer window.
Compared to waiting, Newcastle decided to sign Ilanga immediately. With the adjustment of third parties and the cooperation of all parties, the two parties finally reached a solution and announced the transfer news a few days later.
After Newcastle's acquisition, the right winger is the only position that has not been strengthened. Almiron and Murphy had performed well, but the "real upgrade" was not achieved. There are many reasons why the right winger was not promoted, either because Newcastle was unable to pay the salaries of these players, or they were signed by the giants first. Olisse, who joined Bayern last summer, is a typical example.
Eddie Howe mainly seeks a left-foot right winger with good skills and ability to cut in. Therefore, Mbemo surpassed Ilanga on the signing list, but the former clearly stated that he hoped to join Manchester United. Newcastle considered other wingers such as Kudus, Adeyemi, and Bakayoko, but did not find the "right player".
In the end, Newcastle chose to sign Ilanga and returned to their long-term goals they missed before. Crucially, unlike Mbemo and Joao Pedro, Iranga is also eager to join Newcastle.
Newcastle asked Forest for Iranga last summer, but was rejected. On the transfer deadline, Newcastle asked again and offered to use Almiron as part of the exchange, but was rejected. Last season, Newcastle's appreciation for Ilanga has grown day by day, and he has been Mbemo's backup plan. At the end of June this year, Newcastle made its first offer of £45 million and is always ready to raise its offer.
After the failure to pursue Mbemo, Wyson and Joao Pedro, Ilanga's transfer is expected to boost confidence in Newcastle's transfer window.