The summer transfer window is officially open, and for Newcastle United supporters, the initial wait for a major signing felt perhaps a touch longer than desired. Relief arrived with the confirmed acquisition of Anthony Elanga, a deal that had evidently been in the works for weeks.
The Swedish international winger joins the Magpies, reportedly for a fee in the region of £55 million. Manager Eddie Howe expressed his satisfaction, highlighting Elanga`s “pace, energy and ability to create and score goals,” emphasizing how these attributes would strengthen the squad and complement the team`s tactical approach.
Coming off a season that included a return to Champions League football – albeit one that saw them exit at the group stage despite a memorable 4-1 triumph over Paris Saint-Germain – Newcastle are clearly aiming to bolster their ranks for future challenges. The Elanga signing is seen by many as the catalyst for further activity in the coming weeks.
Beyond the Winger: Assessing Newcastle`s Priorities
Elanga brings valuable Premier League experience from his time at Manchester United and, more recently, Nottingham Forest. His record at Forest over two seasons boasts 11 goals and 20 league assists, showcasing a direct threat. Statistically, he stands out among his peers in certain areas, particularly crosses, goal-creating actions, and carries into the opposition penalty area.
However, the arrival of another winger prompts a pertinent question: was this truly the most critical area for reinforcement? Consider Jacob Murphy, who enjoyed an arguably outstanding season on the right flank last term. In 35 top-flight appearances, Murphy registered an impressive tally of eight goals and 12 assists. When stacked against his teammates on the wing, like Anthony Gordon (12 goal involvements) or Harvey Barnes (14), Murphy demonstrated he was already a highly effective attacking outlet for the team.
While competition is healthy and valuable over a long season, especially with European commitments, the argument could be made that the right flank wasn`t the area demanding immediate, top-tier investment.
The Crucial Defensive Hunt
Instead, attention has rightly turned to the defensive unit. It is here, particularly at centre-back and potentially in goal, that strengthening appears not just beneficial, but necessary. Eddie Howe and the recruitment team are actively exploring options to address these areas.
Various names have surfaced, including Marc Guehi, though the feasibility and cost of prizing him away remain a subject of speculation. Elsewhere, Malick Thiaw and Leonardo Balerdi are understood to be on the radar, indicating a broad search for defensive talent.
However, one name consistently linked and seemingly high on Newcastle`s list is Atalanta`s promising defender, Giorgio Scalvini. The Italian international is reportedly available this summer, but his potential suitors will need to meet Atalanta`s valuation, believed to be around £50 million.
Reports suggest Newcastle have already undertaken “preliminary work” regarding a potential deal for Scalvini. The pursuit won`t be straightforward, however, as a host of prominent clubs, including Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Juventus, are also credited with interest – a classic football transfer scenario where everyone wants the same player.
Adding a layer of optimism for the Magpies, Scalvini has reportedly expressed intrigue about playing in the Premier League and has even spoken positively about both the club and Eddie Howe while on international duty. Such public sentiment can, on occasion, provide a marginal advantage in a crowded race.
Why Scalvini Fits the Bill
Securing at least one high-quality centre-back this summer isn`t merely a preference; it`s a requirement. Last season, Eddie Howe often relied on the established pairing of Dan Burn and Fabian Schär. Both have been excellent servants and performed admirably, but at 33 years old, they represent the more experienced, rather than the long-term, core of the defense.
Furthermore, the primary young centre-back option currently in the squad is Sven Botman. While undoubtedly talented, Botman has unfortunately been plagued by significant injury issues, missing a substantial number of games since the beginning of the 2023/24 season. This highlights a vulnerability and a lack of depth in a crucial position.
This context makes a move for a player like Scalvini essential. Despite an injury affecting part of his most recent campaign, his performances when fit in the prior season demonstrated significant potential. A young, ball-playing, and positionally sound defender, Scalvini possesses the profile needed to develop into a cornerstone of Newcastle`s defense for years to come. He offers the prospect of fresh legs, technical quality, and a potential long-term partnership, possibly with a fit Botman.
The £50 million price tag reflects his talent and potential, and while it`s a significant investment, securing a player of Scalvini`s ilk appears, from a squad balancing perspective, a more pressing and strategically vital piece of business than further strengthening an already productive wide attacking department.
Whether Newcastle can navigate the competition and finalize a deal for the Italian stands as one of the key storylines of their summer transfer window. It`s a signing that could well define their defensive future.
