Anthony Elanga. (AMA/Getty Images)
Newcastle are gearing up for a serious summer of recruitment after completing their ambitions of qualifying for the Champions League next season.
The Magpies have upgraded their confirmed Conference League spot to an opportunity to rub shoulders with Europe’s elite for the second time under Eddie Howe.
The Newcastle boss wasted no time in switching his focus to the recruitment plans at the club, attending a meeting with the Saudi PIF owners shortly after the Everton clash on the final day of the season over the weekend.
Sporting director Paul Mitchell will leave the club in June, so Howe will be in the driving seat to bring quality to an already impressive squad on Tyneside, adding players that can not only strengthen the depth but make a meaningful impact on the starting eleven.
These recruitment meetings have now come into full focus after the club completed one of their most successful campaigns in history, and it will be important to get the job done early to avoid missing out on key targets.
The Athletic’s Chris Waugh has revealed this week that Newcastle are looking at several attacking players to strengthen the final third, with former target Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga named.
Waugh claimed (via NUFC Blog):
“Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo and Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford have featured prominently during transfer discussions.”
How much will Anthony Elanga cost?
It is no secret that Newcastle have been long term admirers of the Swedish winger – who has a strong relationship with compatriot Alexander Isak currently leading the line for the North East giants.
It was reported last summer that Newcastle made a £50m bid for Elanga in their efforts to strengthen their wider attacking roles on Deadline Day, however, Forest turned it down and instead, the 23-year-old has played a key role in the Tricky Trees’ impressive Premier League campaign.
Falling short at the final hurdle, Forest were one of the clubs that missed out on qualifying for Champions League football on the final day of the season alongside Aston Villa, so the Magpies will be looking to capitalise on their plight.
Over 38 Premier League appearances, Elanga – hailed “electric” by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – scored six goals, registered 11 assists and created nine big chances, demonstrating a keen eye for goal and a strong ability to deliver the final pass.
Not only does the talented youngster provide blistering pace and goal contributions, he is capable of playing on both sides of the striker with a wealth of experience in equal measure on the left and right wing, which would make him a great asset in Newcastle’s attacking threat.
With that being said, there is no doubt that Elanga would be an incredible signing for the Magpies this summer, as he would be a worthy successor for Jacob Murphy and a long term asset in the future of Newcastle’s starting eleven.
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