Eddie Howe explains why £55m man Anthony Elanga was benched so quickly at Newcastle United
Eddie Howe explains Anthony Elanga’s recent bench role at Newcastle United
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has shed light on why big-money signing Anthony Elanga has been on the bench in recent matches, despite his £55 million move being one of the most talked-about deals of the summer.
The Swedish international arrived from Nottingham Forest amid huge excitement, with fans eager to see what the 22-year-old could bring to Howe’s evolving project at St James’ Park. Elanga was immediately thrown into the starting XI for the Magpies’ opening Premier League clash against Aston Villa, but after missing a golden opportunity in the 0-0 draw, his influence began to wane.
Since then, Elanga has found himself slipping down the pecking order, with Jacob Murphy stepping in and impressing on the right flank. Murphy’s energy and delivery were particularly praised by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer during last weekend’s win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he set up record signing Nick Woltemade for his first goal in black and white.
Elanga’s reduced minutes have sparked questions among supporters, especially with Newcastle facing a demanding run of fixtures including their long-awaited Champions League return against Barcelona on Thursday night and a tricky Premier League trip to Bournemouth just days later.
Howe, speaking at his first Champions League press conference of the season, insisted there was no issue with Elanga’s attitude or effort. Instead, he explained that the winger is simply going through an adjustment period as he adapts to Newcastle’s style of play and the tactical demands placed on him.
“He’s in a really good place,” Howe told Chronicle Live. “I’ve been very pleased with how he’s integrated into the group and the way he’s committed himself in training. He’s got standout qualities – that pace, that directness – qualities that we need in our team. But when you move clubs, especially for a big fee, there’s always an acclimatisation process. What we’re asking of him here is slightly different to what he was doing at Forest, where he did really well last season. That takes time, but he’s well on the way and I’m delighted with him.”
Howe also hinted that Elanga could come back into contention soon, particularly with Anthony Gordon once again available for European competition despite serving a domestic suspension following his red card against Liverpool.
“Anthony [Gordon] is looking really sharp,” Howe added. “Of course he’s in my thoughts. He’s an outstanding player and you can never have enough of those. He brings real pace and directness to our forward line, which is something we rely on. Whether he starts or comes off the bench against Barcelona, we’ll see. But it’s an important season for him and his career, and we want to help him reach his highest level.”
For Newcastle, the clash with Barcelona represents more than just a glamour tie – it is a historic moment in the club’s modern era. The Magpies are back in the Champions League for the first time in two decades, and the visit of the Catalan giants has created a buzz that Howe himself admitted is “special.”
“It’s a historic fixture,” the head coach said. “As soon as we saw the draw and realised we’d be facing Barcelona, it had a magical feel to it. St James’ Park will be electric, and it’s going to be an amazing game to experience. My focus is on making sure we’re tactically prepared and that we deliver a performance worthy of the occasion.”
With a sell-out crowd expected on Tyneside and European nights finally back under the lights, the stage is set. For Elanga, Gordon, and the rest of Howe’s attacking options, it could be the perfect opportunity to remind fans why Newcastle invested so heavily in their forward line this summer.