Eddie Howe reluctant to sign Ligue 1 star with £60m Premier League target preferred
Over the past few seasons, there has been growing debate among Newcastle United supporters about Eddie Howe’s apparent preference for players with Premier League experience. While it’s clear that Howe appreciates the comfort and reliability of signing young players who are already acclimated to English football—such as Anthony Gordon, Tino Livramento, and Lewis Hall, who all know the league, speak the language, and can immediately fit into the squad—there’s a compelling argument that this doesn’t tell the full story.
In reality, some of Newcastle’s best signings since the club’s Saudi-backed takeover have come from overseas markets. In fact, one could argue that four of the club’s top five acquisitions in that period have been foreign-based players. The signings of Bruno Guimarães and Sven Botman from Ligue 1 cost a combined £75 million, while Sandro Tonali’s arrival from AC Milan and the now widely praised £63 million deal for Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad further highlight the club’s smart dealings abroad. These players have not only adjusted well but become cornerstones of Howe’s team, challenging the narrative that he avoids overseas talent.
That said, recent transfer reports suggest that Howe still leans towards Premier League-proven players, particularly when looking to reinforce certain key positions like the wings. According to a report by Mark Douglas from The i, Newcastle’s head coach is prioritising a move for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga over a younger, exciting, and arguably more affordable talent in Maghnes Akliouche, currently at AS Monaco.
Howe Prioritising Premier League Experience?
Elanga, a Swedish international, has been on Newcastle’s radar for some time. While Akliouche—a highly-rated French U21 international—is considered a rising star in Ligue 1 and has reportedly been recommended by sporting director Paul Mitchell (who has strong connections with Monaco), Howe is believed to favour players with Premier League experience, particularly those who can “immediately improve the first team”.
According to Douglas, Howe views Elanga’s versatility and familiarity with the English game as key advantages. The Forest winger is capable of playing across the forward line and has already demonstrated his quality in the top flight. This readiness to perform at a high level without a steep adaptation period appears to be a major factor in Howe’s preference.
However, this approach raises a number of questions, especially in light of Nottingham Forest’s £60 million asking price for Elanga. Newcastle reportedly had a £45 million bid rejected earlier this week, and it remains uncertain whether the Magpies will be willing to match Forest’s valuation. In contrast, Akliouche is said to be significantly more affordable, making the Frenchman a potential bargain in a market where value is increasingly hard to find.
Risk vs Reward in the Transfer Market
This situation illustrates the tension between short-term reliability and long-term value in Newcastle’s recruitment strategy. While Elanga offers immediate impact and proven domestic quality, Akliouche represents a potential high-upside investment, a player who could grow into a key asset over time, much like Isak and Guimarães have.
It’s also worth noting that Newcastle’s current list of transfer targets—which includes James Trafford, Joao Pedro, Marc Guehi, and Elanga—suggests a consistent trend toward domestically based signings. While all are talented and come with Premier League or Championship credentials, they also carry hefty price tags, a symptom of buying within the UK market.
If Forest refuse to lower their asking price, Newcastle may be forced to explore alternative options, potentially revisiting interest in players like Akliouche or other foreign prospects. However, the pattern so far indicates that Howe and the club’s recruitment staff are still prioritising Premier League experience, despite the success stories that have come from casting a wider net in Europe.
Conclusion
Eddie Howe’s approach to transfers seems to reflect a desire for balance: combining the security of Premier League experience with the ambition of signing world-class potential from abroad. While he remains open to foreign imports—as evidenced by the club’s best business post-takeover—there’s a clear preference, particularly in key positions like winger, for players who are already proven in England.
Still, with transfer fees in the domestic market reaching inflated levels, Newcastle may need to be more flexible in their recruitment policy if they’re to strengthen effectively within the constraints of Financial Fair Play and PSR regulations. As the summer window progresses, how the club navigates this balance could define their success ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.