Newcastle United will once again compete in the Champions League next season. Manager Eddie Howe recognizes the need for key first-team signings to build on the success of their extraordinary year, which included securing a top-five finish and winning the Carabao Cup.
Despite the team`s achievements, Howe operated with limited attacking options and is looking to bolster this area during the summer transfer window.
Newcastle Considering Elanga Alternative
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Newcastle`s £45m offer for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga was rejected, as the Tricky Trees have no intention of selling. While other players like Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth and West Ham United`s Mohammed Kudus have been discussed, attention is also turning to another winger playing in the UK.
Football Insider reports that Celtic are determined to keep Nicolas Kuhn beyond the summer, but anticipate pushes from Newcastle and German club RB Leipzig for his signature. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers views the 25-year-old as a valuable asset, but offers around £20m or more would likely be accepted by the Scottish champions.
Considering the significant sum offered for Elanga, securing Kuhn for potentially half the price could represent a very smart piece of business for Newcastle, especially given the tactical conditions under Eddie Howe that could help a player like Kuhn thrive.
What Nicolas Kuhn Could Offer Newcastle
Kuhn, who developed in the youth systems of Ajax and Bayern Munich, joined Celtic from Rapid Vienna for only £3m in January 2024 and his value has since increased considerably. The German winger has been productive, contributing to 42 goals in 68 matches across all competitions. He has been praised for his `breathtaking` technical quality by figures like Marvin Bartley.
With his sharp pace and dribbling skills, Kuhn tactically fits the profile Newcastle seeks to provide competition for Jacob Murphy on the right flank.
As the table below shows, the Celtic star possesses qualities that rival those of Elanga, though it`s important to note his performances come from the Scottish Premiership, a league of lower quality than the Premier League.
| League Stats 24/25 – Nicolas Kuhn vs Anthony Elanga | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats (* per game) | Kuhn | Elanga |
| Matches (starts) | 32 (24) | 38 (31) |
| Goals | 13 | 6 |
| Assists | 9 | 11 |
| Shots (on target)* | 1.9 (0.8) | 1.2 (0.6) |
| Big chances missed | 9 | 6 |
| Pass completion | 77% | 78% |
| Big chances created | 11 | 9 |
| Key passes* | 1.6 | 1.3 |
| Dribbles* | 1.8 | 0.7 |
| Tackles* | 1.2 | 0.5 |
| Duels won* | 3.5 | 3.0 |
Despite the level difference, Kuhn takes challenges in his stride and is actively involved in the game. His tenacious approach also results in strong defensive numbers, consistently contributing with tackles and duels. He also carries the ball forward effectively, although Elanga`s lower average in this area may be partly due to Nuno Espirito Santo`s pragmatic tactics.
Ultimately, Newcastle might find in Kuhn a dynamic forward capable of impactful contributions, available for significantly less than the asking price for Elanga. Given his underlying strengths, acquiring the Celtic player could prove to be a beneficial move for a Newcastle side needing reinforcements across various positions.
