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Anthony Elanga

SUPERTOON

by SUPERTOON
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Robbo2

Robbo2

Posted
Posted
22 minutes ago, Rich said:

Is he going to be fast enough to generate an audible gasp from SJP the first time he gets to open up?

Memories of Sissoko Vs Ashley Cole. Absolutely hilarious rinsing

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JT24

JT24

Posted
Posted
2 minutes ago, JT24 said:

https://archive.ph/ROBCx

 

Luke Edwards article on pursuit of RW/Elanga 

Quote

It has taken weeks for Newcastle United to secure the services of Anthony Elanga, a deal that has veered between completion and collapse for a month, but it is a successful end to a three-year search for a right winger.

 

Eddie Howe has been considering an upgrade on the right side of his attack since the summer of 2022, recognising Miguel Almiron’s limitations long before the Paraguay international eventually departed for Atlanta back in January.

 

Almiron was superb in the season Newcastle qualified for the Champions League back 2023, just as Jacob Murphy was a revelation last season, when the club unexpectedly repeated the feat and won their first domestic trophy for 70 years.

 

But it is a position Newcastle have wanted to strengthen for so long, but did not have the wriggle room under profit and sustainability rules to do so.Having finally rid themselves of those financial constraints this summer, the thought of missing out on Elanga – having already been forced to drop their interest in Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo – was causing Howe and the rest of the Newcastle recruitment team plenty of stress.

 

There will be a sense of huge relief that the deal has now been done, especially as it looked over the weekend as though the move could break down.Elanga’s desire to change the agency representing him caused a standoff that threatened to derail the move entirely. Things were pulled back from the brink following frantic talks on Sunday and Monday to resolve the issue. A financial compromise was eventually reached that enabled completion.

 

Newcastle had first expressed an interest in Elanga during the talks that preceded Elliot Anderson’s move to Forest 12 months ago. That interest only strengthened as the Sweden international enjoyed his most productive Premier League campaign. The ex-Manchester United prospect had 17 goal involvements last season, while his former club will pocket a slice of the £55 million fee as they inserted a sell on clause in his deal when he left for Forest in 2023.

 

Newcastle believe there is still much room for improvement and at the age of 23, Elanga has both the technical and physical attributes to thrive in this Newcastle team. He is also Premier League ready and with a Champions League campaign to look forward to, Howe did not want to sign a winger who would need weeks, if not months, to adjust to English football.

 

Newcastle are already a devastatingly effective attacking side in transitions, pouring forward with speed on the counter and exposing the gaps left when they win possession.

 

Elanga’s arrival will give them arguably the fastest attacking trio in the Premier League, with Elanga on the right side, Anthony Gordon on the left and Alexander Isak through the middle. It is a trio that should frighten the rest of the division.

 

Elanga blossomed in Forest’s counter attacking system under Nuno Espirito Santo last season and could do even more damage in Newcastle’s side, where the passing range of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes in midfield will make him even harder to contain.

 

When Newcastle also unleash their “swarm” press, Elanga’s speed over the ground will be crucial, helping them win the ball high up the pitch, while his familiarity with Isak from the Sweden national team means there is already a strong connection there that will not need as much time to hone.

 

Indeed, Elanga is a close friend of Isak, as well as another Newcastle player, William Osula, and there is no harm in signing a player their star striker knows well when you are about to open talks about a new contract.

 

Elanga ticks all the boxes for Howe. Young, quick, direct, skillful and hard working. He will track back to help the team defend, as well as launch the rapid, incisive attacks that are Newcastle’s trademark.

It is why they have worked so hard to sign him and were willing to wait for so long to do so. Having not signed a first team player to improve the first team for two years, Elanga’s arrival is a huge statement.

 

It fills a priority position and offers a clear upgrade on the hardworking Murphy, who will ensure there is both cover and competition for places on the right side of the attack.

 

Signing a right-sided forward was Newcastle’s main objective this summer and the capture of Elanga will allow them to focus on their other areas of need.

 

Finding a right-sided centre back, a goalkeeper – who is still expected to be England international James Trafford despite slow progress being made in agreeing a fee – and a versatile forward who can play out wide and through the middle are the remaining positions to fill.

 

It has been a difficult and testing summer behind the scenes at St James’ Park following the departure of sporting director Paul Mitchell, but this breakthrough is a welcome one.

 

As one source told Telegraph Sport: “If you were looking for the perfect Eddie Howe player, Anthony Elanga is it.”

 

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