Newcastle United have signed Anthony Elanga and could soon see him in action when the club begins their pre-season campaign.
It’s been a slog of a transfer window so far for Newcastle United after missing out on top targets like Joao Pedro, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
However, Eddie Howe has finally got his hands on a new attacker after Newcastle signed Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest.
Newcastle have paid £55m, rising to £60m, for Elanga, making him the club’s second most expensive signing ever.
With the first major signing of the summer finally secured, Newcastle will hope more business soon gets concluded, like Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford and Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.
Until then, though, Howe will have to use what he’s already got as the Magpies get ready for their pre-season tour.
Newcastle will head to Singapore and South Korea at the end of July, but first play Celtic in Glasgow on July 19. It will be intriguing to see if Elanga makes his debut.
- Who is Anthony Elanga? Newcastle United’s brand new £55m winger
Early predicted Newcastle United XI vs Celtic in pre-season friendly
Some Newcastle players returned for pre-season training on July 7, but Howe was without several of his biggest stars.
The likes of Alexander Isak, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn and Tino Livramento were all given an extra week off following their international exploits in June but have now linked up with their teammates in a training camp in Austria.
Though the big names are all back and available, Howe may still name an experimental team to take on Celtic.
There might be chances for youngsters like Travis Hernes and Harrison Ashby from the start, while Joe White, Max Thompson and Alex Murphy are all with the squad too.
Jamaal Lascelles could make his first appearance since suffering an ACL injury in March 2024.
Lewis Hall has been in training after his long spell on the sidelines, but isn’t expected to play, which would give Matt Targett the start instead.
What is most interesting is whether Elanga will make his debut or not. Elanga did play for Sweden in the summer, but it was just one match on June 6 and he has been training with his teammates since signing.
If the winger fancies jumping straight into the action, he could get his first start out on the right alongside Will Osula and Harvey Barnes.
How Newcastle could line up against Celtic: Pope; Ashby, Schar, Lascelles, Targett; Hernes, Willock, Joelinton; Elanga, Osula, Barnes.
How to watch Celtic vs Newcastle United in pre-season friendly
Newcastle take on Celtic in their first friendly of pre-season on Saturday, July 19. Kick-off at Celtic Park comes at 3pm.
You can watch the game and Newcastle’s six other friendlies via the Newcastle website and app, but it will cost you.
Mags+ members can purchase a pre-season pass to watch all seven games for £9.99, but that price shoots up to £29.99 for non-members.
Mags and Mags Juniors members get a slight discount of £19.99.
In order to get the membership discount, you must sign up before 11:59pm on July 30.
One-off game passes can be purchased for £4.99 or £6.99, depending on the fixture.
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