Elanga was born in Malmo, Sweden, where his father Joseph played as a defender. Anthony played for Elfsborg as a child, but when the family moved to Manchester in 2013, he was scouted by both Manchester City and Manchester United. He signed for the latter and progressed through the academy to make his senior debut in May 2021, aged 19.

Newcastle United have completed the signing of forward Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest in a deal worth £55 million ($75m).