Newcastle United offered chance to sign 16-goal £25m Club World Cup star in Anthony Elanga deal twist
Newcastle United Reject Karim Adeyemi Offer to Focus Solely on Anthony Elanga Pursuit
Newcastle United have reportedly turned down the opportunity to sign Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi in a discounted deal this summer, instead remaining fully focused on their top attacking target—Nottingham Forest and Sweden international Anthony Elanga.
The 22-year-old Elanga has emerged as the club’s primary candidate to strengthen their right flank, a position head coach Eddie Howe has identified as a key area needing reinforcement. Despite interest in other forwards being floated during this window, the Magpies have held firm in their pursuit of Elanga and are now closing in on what they hope will be a breakthrough in negotiations with Forest.
Elanga Deal Close, Price Rising
While an initial bid of £55 million has been widely reported, sources suggest the final agreement could edge closer to £60 million once add-ons and performance-based bonuses are factored in. If the deal is finalised, Elanga would become the second most expensive signing in Newcastle United’s history—just behind Swedish striker Alexander Isak, who joined from Real Sociedad for a record fee in 2022.
The Elanga signing, if completed, would mark a significant moment for the club. Not only would it be Newcastle’s first major first-team signing in three transfer windows, but it would also reflect the club’s commitment to backing Howe’s long-term vision with meaningful investment. After missing out on several priority targets earlier in the window, Elanga’s acquisition would be seen as a major win for the recruitment team.
Missed Targets Highlight Tough Window
The summer transfer window has proven difficult for Newcastle, with several of Eddie Howe’s preferred signings slipping through the net. Manchester City prospect Liam Delap opted to join Chelsea in search of more immediate first-team minutes—an understandable move given the fierce competition he would face at St James’ Park, particularly from the likes of Alexander Isak.
Real Madrid managed to lure teenage defender Dean Huijsen, despite serious interest from the Magpies, while Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo priced himself out of a move due to what were described as “astronomical” wage demands. Similarly, Joao Pedro had his heart set on a move to London when Chelsea came knocking, leaving Newcastle to reassess their priorities.
Adeyemi Offered, But Declined
Among the alternatives presented to the club was Germany international Karim Adeyemi, currently on Borussia Dortmund’s books. Newcastle were reportedly offered the chance to sign the 22-year-old attacker at a cut-price rate—potentially for less than what Forest are asking for Elanga. Adeyemi, who previously played for RB Salzburg before moving to Dortmund in a £25 million deal in 2022, has shown flashes of brilliance and even featured for Dortmund in the Club World Cup this summer.
However, following internal discussions and a deeper analysis of the player’s suitability, Newcastle opted not to pursue a deal. Despite Adeyemi’s age, pace, and Champions League experience, the club reportedly concluded that he did not align closely enough with Howe’s tactical requirements or long-term vision. There were also concerns over consistency and injury history.
While some might question the decision to turn down such a high-potential talent at a lower cost, Newcastle’s transfer record since the Public Investment Fund (PIF) took control in 2021 has been commendably consistent. The recruitment strategy has rarely misfired, and even lower-profile signings such as Matt Targett were executed with sound reasoning at the time.
Elanga and Trafford Deals Near Completion
Newcastle’s recruitment drive is far from over, with the club working on multiple deals in parallel. Alongside Elanga, the Magpies are also nearing an agreement to sign Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford. Despite speculation on social media, the delay in finalising both moves is not related to sell-on clauses or other complications. Instead, it’s a matter of ironing out final contract details and negotiating add-ons.
In Trafford’s case, progress was nearly complete last week until Burnley unexpectedly revised their financial demands, putting the deal momentarily on hold. However, all parties remain confident an agreement will soon be reached, with both players reportedly eager to make the switch to Tyneside.
What’s Next? More Signings Expected
Sources close to the club have indicated that two additional signings are being actively pursued behind the scenes by Newcastle’s transfer team, spearheaded by recruitment chief Andy Howe.
One name gaining traction is Atalanta’s highly rated central defender Giorgio Scalvini. The Italian has long been admired by Newcastle’s scouting department, though questions remain about his fitness following a serious injury last season. That said, if the fee quoted in recent media reports proves accurate, the club may find the opportunity too good to ignore.
Whether or not Scalvini joins, the message from St James’ Park is clear: Newcastle United are not content to stand still. After a frustrating start to the window, the club appears to be shifting gears, with a clear ambition to reinforce the squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
With Elanga on the brink of becoming a Magpie and further signings in the pipeline, the latter half of this transfer window could be pivotal for Newcastle’s prospects in the 2025/26 campaign.