Newcastle in advanced talks to sign a “top striker”, he’d be unplayable with Elanga – opinion
Newcastle United Say Farewell to Callum Wilson as Summer Rebuild Begins
Newcastle United have officially parted ways with striker Callum Wilson, bringing an end to his five-year tenure on Tyneside. The experienced forward leaves St James’ Park after contributing significantly to the club’s attacking output since joining from Bournemouth in 2020.
During his time with the Magpies, Wilson struggled with recurring injuries that often kept him sidelined for extended periods. Despite these challenges, he managed to rack up an impressive 49 goals in 130 appearances across all competitions, with the vast majority of those goals (47) coming in the Premier League. His knack for finding the net, particularly in crucial matches, earned him a strong rapport with the Newcastle faithful.
Wilson also leaves with silverware to his name, having helped the club clinch the Carabao Cup—an achievement that brought a long-awaited moment of glory back to Newcastle supporters. His departure, while bittersweet, opens the door for new additions as the club prepares for a season that includes the rigors of European football.
New Striker on the Horizon
With Wilson’s exit now confirmed, the focus swiftly turns to who will replace him in Eddie Howe’s frontline. The club is already active in the transfer market, with deals for goalkeeper James Trafford and winger Anthony Elanga believed to be in their final stages. Yet, fans are eager to see a new centre-forward come through the doors.
Newcastle had previously shown strong interest in Watford’s Joao Pedro, but Chelsea’s bold £60 million bid ultimately pushed the Magpies out of the race. With finances to consider and UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations looming large, Howe and the recruitment team must act wisely in the window.
According to emerging reports, Newcastle are now in advanced negotiations to bring in Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who recently departed Everton. The 28-year-old forward has long been on Howe’s radar and is viewed as a player capable of leading the line—provided he can stay fit. However, Newcastle face stiff competition from Manchester United, who are also weighing up a move for the England international.
Though Calvert-Lewin has found the back of the net just 11 times since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, there’s growing belief that a move to Newcastle, with a fresh system and new teammates, could help reignite his career.
Could Elanga Be the Key to Unlocking Calvert-Lewin’s Potential?
One of the most compelling arguments for Calvert-Lewin’s potential success on Tyneside revolves around Anthony Elanga, who looks increasingly likely to join from Nottingham Forest. The Swedish winger enjoyed a standout season in 2024/25, notching 12 assists in all competitions and creating numerous chances for teammates.
In fact, Elanga ranked in the top 6% of Premier League wingers for assists and top 3% for successful crosses, highlighting just how potent his delivery can be. With his pace, creativity, and vision, Elanga could provide the perfect supply line for a traditional number nine like Calvert-Lewin—something the former Everton man has sorely lacked in recent seasons.
Why Calvert-Lewin Still Has Something to Offer
It’s easy to forget that Calvert-Lewin was once one of the most feared strikers in the Premier League. He enjoyed a breakout period in 2019/20, scoring 13 league goals, followed by an even more impressive 16-goal haul the following season. During that time, his all-around game drew praise from top managers, including Liverpool’s Jürgen Klopp, who said:
> “Calvert-Lewin, I really expected him to make big steps in the next few years and he did. He has everything you need in a top striker: size, mobility, speed, desire, technically really, really good, in the air, finishing with his head, both feet.”
If Newcastle can get the best out of Calvert-Lewin—and keep him injury-free—they may find themselves with a reliable goalscorer without having to pay a hefty transfer fee. The striker’s mix of experience, aerial ability, and physical presence could make him a perfect fit for Howe’s system, particularly in European matches where such traits are vital.
The Bigger Picture
The potential arrival of both Elanga and Calvert-Lewin represents a strategic push to enhance Newcastle’s attacking depth ahead of a demanding campaign. With Champions League qualification on the horizon, squad rotation and tactical flexibility will be key to sustaining performance across multiple competitions.
While Wilson’s departure marks the end of an era, it also signals a fresh chapter for the Magpies. The club’s ambition is clear, and if the current transfer targets are secured, supporters can look forward to an exciting, dynamic forward line spearheaded by younger, hungry talents ready to prove themselves at the highest level.
At 28, Calvert-Lewin still has time to recapture his best form—and there’s a growing sense that Newcastle might just be the place for him to do it.