Report: A Premier League star player has shown interest in signing a contract with Newcastle during the summer transfer window
Since Eddie Howe took over the reins from Steve Bruce in November 2021, Newcastle United have undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into one of the Premier League’s most dynamic and ambitious sides. The Magpies are now preparing for what will be their second Champions League campaign in three seasons, having also claimed the Carabao Cup last term, ending a painful 70-year wait for domestic silverware.
With momentum firmly behind them, Newcastle’s next step is to consolidate their rapid progress with a strong summer transfer window. After all, sustaining success in both domestic and European competition requires not just belief, but depth, quality, and fresh faces to invigorate the squad. However, despite their upward trajectory, the club has already encountered some early challenges in the transfer market.
One such disappointment came when Joao Pedro opted to join Chelsea in a £60m deal, despite being a long-term target for Howe’s side. Additionally, Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo has declared his intent to join Manchester United, snubbing Newcastle’s advances. These setbacks have somewhat dampened the optimism that surrounded the window, leaving fans eager for reassurance that the club still intends to make significant reinforcements.
Newcastle Identify Key Target – Elanga Wants the Move
Amid these hurdles, there’s a silver lining: a major Premier League talent is keen on making the move to St. James’ Park.
According to i News, Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga is eager to join the Magpies, who are now accelerating efforts to secure the Sweden international. Newcastle already made an opening bid of £45 million, which Forest rejected. The Midlands club, fresh from qualifying for the Europa Conference League, are standing firm and will only consider offers in excess of £60 million for their prized asset.
Despite the premium price tag, Newcastle remain confident, encouraged by the player’s enthusiasm for the move and his stylistic fit within Howe’s high-octane system.
Elanga, still only 23, has blossomed at Forest since his £15 million switch from Manchester United in 2023. After struggling for opportunities at Old Trafford, he seized his chance in a more prominent role at the City Ground, quickly becoming a key part of Forest’s attacking engine. Across two seasons, Elanga has racked up 11 goals and 21 assists, with 17 goal contributions coming in the 2024/25 Premier League season alone – an output that highlights his consistency and growing influence.
His performances have earned glowing praise from manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who hailed the Swede as a “special” talent. Statistically, Elanga ranks among the top 6% of attacking midfielders for assists and top 3% for crosses per 90 minutes, according to FBref. These numbers are even more impressive when considering he has been part of a Forest side fighting for relevance rather than dominance.
A Partnership in Waiting: Elanga and Gordon
In Newcastle’s system, Elanga could flourish even further. Howe has been clear in his tactical vision, with a preference for pace, directness, and sharp transitions. Elanga, who proudly calls himself “one of the fastest players in the Premier League”, would fit right in.
His profile mirrors that of Anthony Gordon, Newcastle’s electric winger on the opposite flank. Gordon, who burst into prominence with his blistering speed and relentless energy, was the club’s Player of the Year in 2023/24 after registering 26 goal contributions. Though he endured a somewhat underwhelming 2024/25 campaign, the belief remains that he can rediscover his best form – especially if paired with a winger who complements his attributes.
Elanga’s arrival could be the catalyst that reignites Gordon’s fire. Both players are positionally flexible, capable of operating on either wing or even centrally when required. Their combined speed, creativity, and work rate would stretch defences and open up spaces for Alexander Isak, the club’s talismanic striker who, according to David Ornstein, is “not going anywhere” this summer despite interest from Europe’s top clubs.
Miguel Almiron’s Departure Leaves Room for Reinforcement
The path is also clearer for Elanga now that Miguel Almiron has departed, returning to Atlanta United for around £8 million in January. While Jacob Murphy has admirably stepped up in his absence, Newcastle lack depth and need a high-calibre option on the right flank if they are to compete across multiple fronts.
Elanga, with his proven Premier League experience and upward trajectory, could provide exactly that. And crucially, he’s not just a functional addition – he’s an ambitious, attacking force who can grow with the project and add a layer of unpredictability to the frontline.
Howe’s Longstanding Admiration
Eddie Howe’s interest in Elanga is not new. Newcastle reportedly attempted to sign the winger last year, only for their approach to be rebuffed at a late stage. This persistent interest signals more than just opportunism – it’s part of a broader plan to elevate the team’s attacking threat with carefully chosen, tactically compatible players.
Should the deal go through this time, Elanga would represent a major coup, particularly given that he’s actively pushing for the move. For Newcastle, it would also send a message – that despite early window setbacks, they remain a club capable of attracting top talent and assembling one of the Premier League’s most fearsome attacks.
A Forward Line to Fear
Imagine a forward trio of Gordon, Elanga, and Isak – blistering pace on the wings, sharp interplay in transition, and a striker with one of the league’s most lethal finishing touches. Add in support from midfield creators like Bruno Guimarães and the increasingly influential Lewis Miley, and it becomes clear just how formidable Newcastle’s setup could become.
The club may have endured a few disappointments already this summer, but they’re still firmly in the driver’s seat – with a clear plan, a determined manager, and the lure of Champions League football.
If Elanga arrives, as seems increasingly likely, it won’t just be Gordon who “loves him” – the whole of St. James’ Park might soon be singing his name.