Newcastle United surpassed expectations by winning the Carabao Cup and securing a spot in the upcoming Champions League campaign through their Premier League performance.
Considering Eddie Howe had to navigate a somewhat inconsistent start to the season, stemming from a disappointing summer transfer window and the crushing end to their 2023/24 campaign where they missed out on European qualification after Manchester United won the FA Cup, achieving this is truly remarkable.
Now, during the current transfer window, further challenges have emerged. Newcastle requires new forwards, but they have faced difficulties in bringing them in so far.
That is, until a potential breakthrough concerning Anthony Elanga of Nottingham Forest.
Why Newcastle Are Pursuing Anthony Elanga
When Newcastle moved on from Miguel Almiron midway through the 2024/25 season, a replacement signing was anticipated.
They have been in need of a right-sided attacker for some time, but Jacob Murphy`s impressive form over the last year, contributing 20 goals and assists in the league alone last season, had reduced the urgency.
Now, however, Elanga could offer ideal competition, bringing a high-speed, high-energy, and creative style of play to Howe`s side, which is already potent in transitions.
Having already seen a £45m offer rejected, the Magpies have shown their determination by returning with an improved £55m bid, and anticipation is growing that their efforts will succeed.
Having already missed out on several key targets like Joao Pedro, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo, United is in need of some positive news.
They stand to gain significantly with Elanga, who has recorded 31 goal contributions during his two top-flight seasons with Forest, having initially joined them from Manchester United for £15m in 2023.
However, Elanga`s high valuation doesn`t automatically make him the standout wide attacker at Newcastle.
Both Murphy and Harvey Barnes have been exceptional for the Toon; however, Anthony Gordon would likely consider himself the premier player among them.
Anthony Gordon: Newcastle`s Golden Asset
Gordon`s Newcastle career didn`t begin on the strongest note. After engineering a move from Everton and joining the Magpies for £45m in January 2023, he played a somewhat peripheral role lacking clinical finishing during the latter part of that season.
However, he has since come into his own; now a full England international and one of Howe`s most gifted attackers, a formidable partner to the world-class Alexander Isak. Retired manager Harry Redknapp views Gordon as `one of the best wingers around`.
It speaks volumes about his quality that even after a somewhat inconsistent year, where he scored just nine goals and provided seven assists across 42 appearances, the 24-year-old has retained the admiration of fans and attracted interest from potential suitors in recent weeks.
| Anthony Gordon in the Premier League | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats (* per game) | 23/24 | 24/25 |
| Matches (starts) | 35 (34) | 34 (28) |
| Goals | 11 | 6 |
| Assists | 10 | 5 |
| Shots (on target)* | 2.3 (0.9) | 1.7 (0.6) |
| Pass completion | 82% | 81% |
| Key passes* | 1.6 | 1.5 |
| Big chances created | 16 | 6 |
| Dribbles* | 1.5 | 1.1 |
| Ball recoveries* | 3.6 | 2.9 |
| Tackles + interceptions* | 1.8 | 1.1 |
| Duels (won)* | 5.3 (49%) | 4.4 (52%) |
While Gordon may not have had his absolute best season, he demonstrated his high-level capability the previous year, contributing 21 goals and assists in the Premier League and showcasing impressive underlying creative and physical stats that were still evident last term.
His performances in his first full season on Tyneside led to the England international being named the club`s Player of the Year, proving a vital figure during an injury crisis that significantly hindered Howe`s plans.
Goal contributions serve as a useful metric for evaluating Gordon`s talent, but his on-field displays almost surpass simple statistical analysis. His determined, resilient, and intelligent performances have been crucial to Howe`s success, particularly given his versatility to play effectively as a right-winger or even a makeshift centre-forward.
However, Gordon`s high potential was underlined when Liverpool showed interest. The Anfield club considered re-signing their former academy player at a time when St. James` Park was concerned about complying with the Premier League`s Profit and Sustainability rules.
Ultimately, United managed to avoid costly breaches by selling less central squad members – such as Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh – but the fact remains that fans saw a clear indication of their winger`s financial value, with Liverpool reportedly willing to offer £75m for a deal.
