Forget Elanga – Newcastle Handed Golden Chance to Sign £43m Sensation After Shock News
Newcastle United See Anthony Elanga Bid Rejected, Turn Attention to Lyon’s Malick Fofana
Newcastle United’s efforts to bolster their squad this summer have hit an early stumbling block, with their £45 million bid for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga turned down earlier this week.
Manager Eddie Howe is under pressure to strengthen his options on the right wing, especially after the club’s recent silverware win and qualification for the Champions League.
Backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Newcastle are preparing for an active summer transfer window, with reports suggesting a £150 million budget once the PSR deadline passes on June 30.
While the starting XI remains strong, Howe is keen to address the lack of squad depth.
Elanga is a top target, but Forest remain firm that the Swedish international is not for sale. However, Newcastle are expected to return with an improved offer, hoping to reunite Elanga with national teammate Alexander Isak.
In the meantime, Newcastle may have found a more affordable alternative following a dramatic development in French football.
Olympique Lyonnais were relegated to Ligue 2 this week despite finishing sixth in Ligue 1—a shocking outcome rooted in the club’s reported £500 million debt.
The financial crisis is likely to force Lyon into selling some of their top talents, opening the door for Newcastle to swoop in.
One of the players catching their eye is 20-year-old winger Malick Fofana. After an impressive season with nine goal contributions in 29 appearances, Fofana is on Newcastle’s radar and could be available for significantly less than his previous £43 million valuation.
Fofana’s potential arrival would offer Howe a talented, young option for the right flank, competing for a starting spot in the 2025/26 campaign. He’s less experienced than Elanga but has already shown he can perform in a top European league.
Newcastle may not stop with Fofana either. Lyon’s relegation could lead to a mass exodus, and players like centre-back Moussa Niakhate or striker Georges Mikautadze might also become available at reduced fees.
Howe’s interest in reinforcing multiple positions could see the Magpies take full advantage of Lyon’s situation.
Whether Newcastle eventually land Elanga, Fofana, or both, the club’s supporters can expect a busy summer as Howe and his recruitment team look to make smart, cost-effective signings that enhance both quality and depth across the squad.
