Anthony Elanga Signing Shows Eddie Howe Is King At Newcastle United

Newcastle United has made incredible progress since its Saudi Arabian-backed takeover back in October 2021, but it had a frustrating wait to sign an exciting first choice right-winger. That wait is now finally over, after Anthony Elanga signed from Nottingham Forest in a reported £55m ($75m) deal.

Everybody knows that Newcastle has not been able to develop itself as much as it would have liked in the last four years or so due to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Tough decisions have been made at the cost of improving that side of Eddie Howe’s team, and the head coach has been forced to get creative.

Typically, he didn’t complain, and did what he does best; worked with those he had at his disposal and improved them. Ironically, the right-winger who was signed, Yankuba Minteh, arrived as a player with huge potential but minimal expectation; he was supposed to grow in value and become something of a ‘PSR resistant’ transfer. But circumstances dictated he needed to be solved to make sure Newcastle didn’t incur a devastating points deduction from the Premier League.

Howe has led Newcastle to two cup finals, one victorious, and two Champions League qualifications in three seasons. He hasn’t done so without effective output on the right; in 2022-23, Miguel Almiron posted numbers never seen before or since, 11 goals and two assists, becoming a crucial cog in Howe’s electric, dynamic machine.

Last season, Jacob Murphy rose to the challenge with eight goals and 12 assists, the second highest in the division behind only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. While an incredible achievement and by no means a fluke, there is little expectation he can repeat his feat.

The need to find solutions on the right-hand side is a microcosm of the reality he has faced at Newcastle since 2023. Elanga is the first bona-fide first team improving signing in two years; the success he has brought has been against a backdrop of difficulty. While the financial rules have been harsh at times, Newcastle’s board hasn’t maximized revenue like direct rivals, and Howe has had to battle to be heard in bitter power plays with two now departed sporting directors.

That is why Elanga is such a personal win for Howe. This summer, he has been given more say on recruitment, akin to when he first arrived in November 2021. The staff is even more skeletal than it was then with both Dan Ashworth and Paul Mitchell, who would lead negotiations, which has in part explained the slower pace for progress than many fans would like. But Howe has wanted Elanga for some time; there was a £45m ($61m) bid on transfer deadline day last year, but it felt like a last resort born out of panic after as fraught summer more than a fully costed approach.

Anthony Elanga suits Newcastle United perfectly

The Sweden winger is about as quintessential a ‘Howe-type’ player as can be. He is lightning quick – able to run 100 meters in under 11 seconds – but, crucially, never injured. He has missed two Premier League matches in two seasons for Nottingham Forest, which is rather impressive considering how much players of his mould are susceptible to muscle problems. He was third behind Murphy and Salah in the assist standings with 11 last season, as well as scoring six goals, the same number as new team-mate Anthony Gordon. Although not left footed, thought to be ideal for Howe, his strength with both feet should compensate.

His ability to break at pace may well define his Newcastle career; he made 14 last season, markedly more than any winger at the club. While Howe has shifted the focus of his team from counter-attack to dominating possession, exploiting space is still a crucial weapon in the tactical arsenal. Elanga will be most dangerous when Newcastle loses the ball; winning it back quickly and moving into transition within seconds will give the 23-year-old plenty of opportunities to get up to speed.

“I’m excited, I’m really happy but most importantly I’m ready,” Elanga told the club’s website. “I’m ready to put on this black and white top to really fight for this team and give everything for the passionate fanbase that lives and breathes football.

“I had an amazing two years at Nottingham Forest, they really helped me to become the player I am today, but I’m really happy to be here now. The club won a trophy last season and are building something unique, something special that I really want to be part of.

“I really want to buy into the culture, into the DNA of this club. I’m really happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started.”

Some fans have questioned the price tag. That money was enough to sign Sandro Tonali from AC Milan two years ago, and just shy of the fee for Alexander Isak in 2022. Both players have developed into world class players; it would be hard to suggest Elanga has the same potential. Has Newcastle overpaid? Considering his numbers, injury record, age and length of contract at Forest (three years), the reality is north of £50m is about right.

But the most important thing is Howe got his man. Elanga fits into Newcastle’s system like a hand in a glove, and has the raw skills to thrive in the system and intensity of the coach. It has been a long road, but the right-wing upgrade makes the club’s direction crystal clear.