Following a host of departures since the 2023/24 season came to an end, Eddie Howe is keen to add to his squad with right-wing seen as a priority position.
It has been a busy summer at St James’ Park, one of change with Matt Ritchie, Paul Dummett and Loris Karius among the individuals released by the club at the end of the season.
In addition to this, Newcastle complied with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), by selling Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson before the soft deadline.
Howe played down calls for a squad overhaul this summer, claiming it would be ‘almost impossible’ as reported in The Athletic. However, with several departures already confirmed and more expected to follow, Newcastle’s squad is expected to look very different next season.
The good news is that Newcastle’s transfer budget is said to be a healthy one, after avoiding any points deductions and the Magpies are set to strengthen in key areas of the squad this summer to help Howe deliver European football again.
Newcastle expected to buy a right-winger this summer
Newcastle have already shown their intent in bolstering the right-wing position this summer with a failed attempt to sign Michael Olise, along with links to Jarrod Bowen and Bryan Mbuemo. Another player the Magpies retain an interest in is Anthony Elanga of Nottingham Forest, according to The Athletic.
Newcastle’s interest in Elanga originally surfaced during talks to offload Minteh and Anderson to stave off the threat of a points deduction.
Newcastle’s desire to bring in a right-winger may stem from the fact there are now serious doubts over whether Miguel Almiron will be at the club next season.
Sky Sports reporter, Keith Downie has said on X that an unnamed Saudi Pro League club were in talks over the potential transfer of Almiron, and it could be that the Paraguayan departs.
Elanga gave Newcastle’s defence a torrid time at St James’ Park last season
Newcastle’s interest in Elanga should come as no surprise, as the Swedish international showcased his ability at St. James’ Park last season.
He produced a scintillating display in December when Nottingham Forest ran out 3-1 winners. The rapid winger assisted two of Chris Wood’s three goals and was a constant threat on the righthand side.
Elanga’s runs were relentless as he constantly stretched Newcastle’s defence, and following his display he received glowing praise from the Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy.
He said: “Forest played Anthony Elanga on the right and decided to get the ball in behind that space down the right-hand side. Newcastle’s let every single opportunity they put in, it was so deliberate and so obvious from minute one.
“And to be fair to Elanga, he kept doing it, he kept running without the ball and going into that space. This was the pattern all through the first half especially, there was lot of space to get it to feet, easy option as a winger, then have a run in and he’s off. Elanga on that right hand side, he’s one of the quickest wingers in the Premier League, very hard to play against.”
With Howe’s proven ability to improve players, Elanga could be a very shrewd piece of business for Newcastle.
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