‘Wow’… Alan Shearer is blown away as Newcastle United officials are reminded of £50m blunder

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Newcastle United have been sent a fresh reminder of what they missed out on in 2024.

The 2024 summer transfer window was dominated by Newcastle United trying to sign Marc Guehi, with Eddie Howe desperate to add a centre-back to his squad.

But the Magpies were also in the market for a right winger. Michael Olise was Newcastle’s top target, only for him to join Bayern Munich instead.

Toon officials then had to look elsewhere, with Anthony Elanga emerging as an option.

Alan Shearer stunned by Anthony Elanga goal

But he remained at Nottingham Forest, where the Sweden international has continued to justify why the Magpies wanted to sign him.

He was the difference maker for Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night, as they beat Manchester United 1-0 to strengthen their bid to qualify for the Champions League.

It was a stunning goal from Elanga, who ran the full length of the pitch before producing an outstanding finish beyond Andre Onana.

Elanga’s goal got the seal of approval from Toon legend Alan Shearer, who wrote on X: “Wow. What a goal that is from Anthony Elanga.”

That was Elanga’s sixth goal of the season. The 22-year-old now has six goals and nine assists across 34 appearances in all competitions.

Newcastle United tried to sign Anthony Elanga

Elanga’s latest goal is a fresh reminder of what Newcastle United could have won.

They tried to sign the former Man United winger on deadline day, but failed. It was too little too late, as the Magpies ended the summer without a major signing.

In truth, Paul Mitchell’s pursuit of Elanga reeked of desperation. It was reported that Newcastle offered £50million for Elanga, which would have made him the club’s third most expensive signing ever behind Alexander Isak and Sandro Tonali.

But Forest had no interest in selling a player like Elanga so late in the window. There would have been no time for them to buy a replacement, so Newcastle’s offer was rebuffed.

Newcastle may have signed Elanga if they moved sooner, as the club now weigh up their 2025 plans.

Eddie Howe still needs to sign a right winger, but it remains to be seen who the club’s top target will be.