Newcastle United’s search for a new forward continues under Eddie Howe and the Saudi PIF, with players from Europe and South America being considered for a move to Tyneside this summer. One player strongly linked with Newcastle is Leeds United’s Crysencio Summerville, who had an impressive season in the Championship, recording 28 goals or assists. However, Newcastle faces competition from other Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Fulham, West Ham United, and Liverpool, who are also interested in the Dutch youngster.
While Summerville could be a significant signing for Newcastle, the rumored £30 million fee could be risky, given his limited experience in England’s top flight, where he registered just six goal contributions in the 2022/23 season. Newcastle might benefit from investing in a more proven Premier League talent, such as Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga, who has been on Howe’s radar in recent months.
According to Caught Offside, Newcastle remains interested in signing Elanga, valued at £45 million, after his impressive debut season at Nottingham Forest. The Swedish international joined Forest from Manchester United for £15 million last summer, scoring five goals and providing nine assists as Nuno Espírito Santo’s side secured their Premier League status.
Although Elanga was linked with a move to Newcastle earlier, the deal did not materialize, and instead, Odysseas Vlachodimos joined in a swap-plus-cash deal that saw Elliot Anderson move to Nottingham. However, Howe is still keen on acquiring the 22-year-old, who impressed with one goal and two assists against Newcastle last season.
Elanga’s talent is evident in his consistent first-team performances, showing comparable stats to current Newcastle player Anthony Gordon. Since the Saudi PIF’s takeover of Newcastle in 2021, the club has invested heavily in the squad, with Gordon being a standout signing. The £45 million signing has made 64 appearances for Newcastle, scoring 13 goals, including 11 in the last campaign.
Although Elanga registered fewer goal contributions than Gordon in the 2023/24 season, his “electric” performances have drawn comparisons between the two. Elanga averaged 0.52 goals or assists per 90 minutes, close to Gordon’s 0.65, and had a slightly lower successful take-on rate but received more progressive passes.
Elanga exceeded expectations in his first season with Forest and could be a valuable addition to Newcastle’s squad. His blistering pace would add a new dimension to Howe’s attack, potentially completing the Magpies’ attacking trio for the 2024/25 campaign, despite the hefty £45 million price tag.
