Newcastle ready to accelerate move for £40m “menace”, he’s even better than Elanga
Newcastle United Shift Focus After Missing Out on Bryan Mbeumo as Anthony Elanga Signing Nears and Jack Grealish Emerges as Next Target
Newcastle United have suffered a significant setback in their summer transfer plans after missing out on one of their top offensive targets, Bryan Mbeumo. The Brentford forward, who had drawn considerable interest from several Premier League clubs, has reportedly opted to join Manchester United ahead of a proposed move to St. James’ Park. Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur also showed interest in the Cameroon international, but it appears that Old Trafford is his preferred destination—although the deal is not yet officially finalized.
With Mbeumo now off the table, Newcastle were quick to pivot to other options in the market. Their attention soon turned to Nottingham Forest’s rising star, Anthony Elanga, who looks set to complete a big-money move to Tyneside. Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano gave his iconic “here we go” confirmation for the deal, which is expected to be worth a substantial £55 million. The Swedish international is set to become a key part of Eddie Howe’s squad as the Magpies seek to bolster their attacking options ahead of a busy 2025/26 campaign.
Newcastle Still on the Hunt for Another Winger
Despite Elanga being close to sealing his switch to Newcastle, the club’s recruitment drive on the flanks appears far from over. Manager Eddie Howe, aware of the physical demands of the Premier League and the need for depth in attacking areas, is reportedly still in the market for another wide player—possibly one with even more pedigree and experience than Elanga.
Newcastle’s current roster of wide men is relatively thin, with Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy doing commendable work last season. However, with the Magpies returning to European competition and aiming for a higher domestic finish, reinforcements are essential.
Enter Jack Grealish.
According to reports from Football Insider, Newcastle are now plotting a move for Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, an England international with a proven track record in the Premier League. The 29-year-old could be the club’s next marquee signing, with interest in the winger reportedly intensifying in recent days. Sources claim Newcastle are preparing to accelerate their pursuit of the former Aston Villa captain, viewing him as a player who could elevate their attacking threat.
Competition for Grealish Heating Up
Newcastle won’t be alone in the race for Grealish’s signature. Multiple clubs across Europe and the Middle East are said to be monitoring the situation. Premier League side Everton, who are set to move into their new home at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, are also interested. Meanwhile, Serie A champions Napoli have reportedly joined the race, and several clubs from the Saudi Pro League are prepared to test Grealish’s resolve with lucrative offers.
City, for their part, are believed to be open to selling the winger this summer, and it’s been reported by Caught Offside that the reigning Premier League champions will demand around £40 million to part ways with him.
Why Grealish Could Be a Game-Changer for Newcastle
Grealish endured a difficult 2024/25 campaign, failing to cement a regular place in Pep Guardiola’s starting XI. He was left out of the squad for the Club World Cup—where City were surprisingly knocked out by Al-Hilal—and made just 32 appearances across all competitions, with only 715 minutes played in the Premier League. His output reflected the limited game time, registering just one goal and one assist in the league.
Nevertheless, Grealish’s underlying quality is beyond question. During his time at Aston Villa, he emerged as one of the most dynamic and creative attackers in the league. In the 2020/21 season—his final full campaign at Villa Park—he produced a remarkable 18 goal contributions (6 goals, 12 assists) in just 26 games, despite missing several matches through injury. Overall, he registered 15 goals and 19 assists across 96 Premier League appearances for his boyhood club.
Grealish’s style of play as a ball-carrier and line-breaker made him a constant threat to opposition defenses. His numbers from that 2020/21 season are particularly revealing: according to FBref, he averaged an impressive 7.08 progressive carries and 7.78 progressive passes per game—figures that highlight his ability to drive play forward both individually and as a creative passer.
How Does He Compare to Elanga?
While Elanga is younger and operates with more explosive pace, the comparison between the two shows contrasting styles. Elanga was a standout performer for Nottingham Forest last season, contributing six goals and 11 assists in 38 league appearances. One of his most memorable moments came in a solo run-and-finish against Manchester United, showcasing his ability to carry the ball at speed and finish with composure.
However, in terms of ball progression and creative influence, Grealish—at his peak—offers a more well-rounded and methodical threat. Last season, Elanga averaged 3.67 progressive carries and 2.27 progressive passes per 90 minutes, numbers that pale in comparison to Grealish’s Villa days.
If Newcastle can help the City winger rediscover the form he consistently displayed during his time at Villa, they might end up with an even more impactful addition than Elanga.
A Calculated Gamble
At £40 million, Grealish could be a shrewd acquisition for Newcastle. Despite a dip in form, he remains a Premier League-proven performer with experience at the highest level, including Champions League football and international tournaments. The potential upside is huge—and under a manager like Eddie Howe, who has a track record of revitalizing players, there’s every chance Grealish could thrive again.
Statman Dave once described Grealish as a “menace” when he’s in form—a player capable of changing games single-handedly. Newcastle’s ambition is clear this summer, and if they manage to bring in both Elanga and Grealish, it would represent a serious statement of intent as they look to climb the domestic table and make a mark in Europe.