Newcastle United eye Tottenham Hotspur transfer hijack after £50m bid
Newcastle United Prioritise Right-Wing Reinforcement After Almiron Exit – Elanga, Kudus & More on the Radar
Since the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund acquired Newcastle United in 2021, the Magpies have undergone a major transformation, with nearly half a billion pounds invested into the squad. Every department has seen substantial upgrades – from defense to midfield and forward areas – as the club aims to re-establish itself among England’s elite.
However, one position has remained largely untouched: the right wing. Despite the significant investment, Newcastle have not made a single marquee signing in that area since the takeover. In fact, the club has made a £10 million profit on the right flank following the recent sale of Miguel Almiron to MLS side Atlanta United, with no direct replacement brought in.
During the 2022/23 campaign, Almiron briefly silenced critics with a stunning run of form, delivering crucial goals and assists. But since then, it has largely been Jacob Murphy – a versatile and hard-working winger – who has held down the role. While Murphy has performed admirably, even earning praise for his consistent performances and selfless work rate, he has lacked genuine competition or support in his position. Manager Eddie Howe is keen to address this imbalance, emphasising the need for a specialist right-winger rather than deploying players like Anthony Gordon or Harvey Barnes out of position.
Newcastle See Bid Rejected for Anthony Elanga
In their search for a natural right-sided attacker, Newcastle have identified Nottingham Forest star Anthony Elanga as a key summer target. The 23-year-old Swedish international enjoyed a strong season at the City Ground, and his pace, directness, and work ethic have caught the attention of Newcastle’s recruitment team.
However, progress on that front has been slow. Newcastle have already seen two bids turned down by Forest, who are keen to retain Elanga despite their own financial challenges. Forest’s reluctance to sell suggests it will take a significantly improved offer for Newcastle to secure a deal – one they may not be willing to meet.
Kudus Emerges as High-Calibre Alternative
With talks for Elanga proving difficult, Newcastle are now exploring other options – and one name that has repeatedly emerged in internal discussions is West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus.
Kudus made an explosive impact at West Ham following his £38 million move from Ajax in 2023. In his debut season, the Ghanaian attacker netted 14 goals across all competitions and quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic forwards in the league. However, his second season proved more frustrating. Kudus struggled with consistency and managed just five goals in 32 Premier League matches during the 2024/25 campaign.
Nevertheless, the 24-year-old remains highly regarded across the league. According to reports from the Mail Online, West Ham may be forced to offload players this summer due to increasing pressure from Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), potentially making Kudus available for transfer.
Newcastle are not the only club monitoring the situation. Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly opened positive talks with West Ham over a potential move for Kudus. Despite a long-standing unofficial policy of not doing business with their London rivals, Spurs appear willing to break that tradition. The last time the two clubs struck a deal was in 2011 when Scott Parker moved from the Hammers to Spurs – ending what was once a common transfer pipeline during the early 2000s with players like Jermain Defoe and Michael Carrick.
According to The Telegraph, Spurs’ interest in Kudus has intensified after missing out on Bryan Mbeumo, who now looks destined to join Manchester United. Kudus has reportedly been identified as a top priority by new manager Thomas Frank, who is eager to reinforce his attack ahead of their return to European football.
Although Kudus has an £85 million release clause, it is believed he could be available for closer to £65 million due to West Ham’s financial situation – a figure that would still represent a significant outlay for any suitor.
Other Names Under Consideration
Newcastle’s scouting team is casting a wide net, keeping tabs on several right-wingers across Europe. PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko is one name that has consistently been linked, with the Belgian winger earning plaudits for his explosive speed and creativity in the Eredivisie. Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi has also emerged as a potential candidate, although the German international may command a hefty fee given his pedigree and age.
As it stands, the right wing is the most underdeveloped area of Newcastle’s squad. While the team has evolved dramatically in other positions, strengthening the flanks – particularly the right – has become a priority this summer. Whether it’s Elanga, Kudus, or a new name altogether, Newcastle’s success next season could hinge on finally addressing this long-standing gap in their squad.