Eddie Howe. (Getty)
Newcastle had a slow start to their summer recruitment, but they are now gearing up to add significant quality to the squad ahead of their Champions League campaign.
The Magpies completed one of the most successful campaigns in their history last season, and Eddie Howe will be under no illusion that it will be hard to live up to their Carabao Cup victory.
However, with a huge opportunity to showcase their quality on the most elite European stage, it will be important that recruitment is spot on to help them compete comfortably and progress in their project.
Last night, news broke that Newcastle had finally agreed a deal with Nottingham Forest to sign winger Anthony Elanga, with a medical expected to take place today.
It will be the first first-team signing the club have made since the deal for Lewis Hall to complete a permanent move to Tyneside from Chelsea, following a successful loan spell.
While Elanga represents a deal that brings a much-needed long-term solution to the right-wing role, there are still other areas of the pitch that need addressing.
Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has outlined Newcastle’s next steps in their recruitment drive, taking to social media platform X to reveal to fans what they can expect.
“Once Newcastle complete the signing of £55m Anthony Elanga, they will turn their attention to bringing in a striker.”
“#NUFC want a striker to act as a foil to Alexander Isak and will prioritise that position. Callum Wilson left yesterday, leaving the striking department light.”
“Sweden international Elanga will arrive this afternoon and see the club land their first signing of the summer.”
Which strikers are Newcastle linked with?
There is no doubt that signing a striker would put Newcastle in an enviable position regarding their attacking threat next season.
The Magpies already boast two of the most talked-about forwards in the Premier League in Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.
Adding Elanga is the missing piece to complete the first-team trio on Tyneside; however, depth across the front three will be crucial in their efforts to add more silverware to their trophy cabinet.
The departure of Callum Wilson has sparked debate about whether Newcastle will replace him or rely on Will Osula to hold the fort in rotation with Isak. However, it is widely reported that Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a potential target.
Like Wilson, the former Everton striker has just closed the chapter on a long-term role at an established Premier League club and is looking for his next opportunity.
After the exploits of last season, Newcastle would be an attractive prospect for any player for many reasons, but it will be difficult to find a striker who is happy to sit on the bench behind one of Europe’s most elite goalscorers.
That said, it is an exciting time to be a Newcastle fan as the recruitment plans are finally starting to take shape, and it will be interesting to see what the squad looks like when they return to action next month.
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