Keith Downie: Newcastle now eyeing “unstoppable” £43m star, he’s better than Elanga
Newcastle United’s search for a right winger has reached a pivotal moment after their £45 million bid for Anthony Elanga was rejected by Nottingham Forest.
With Champions League football returning to St James’ Park, Eddie Howe’s side must now weigh whether to increase their offer for the Swedish international or pivot to alternative targets like Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi – a decision that could define their summer transfer strategy.
The Magpies’ need for quality depth behind Jacob Murphy became glaringly apparent last season when Miguel Almirón’s departure left them dangerously short on natural right-sided options.
Elanga appeared the ideal solution after his impressive Premier League campaign (6 goals, 11 assists in 38 games), but Forest’s £60 million valuation has forced Newcastle to explore other avenues.
Enter Karim Adeyemi – the 23-year-old German international whose profile presents an intriguing alternative. Currently competing in the Club World Cup with Dortmund, Adeyemi boasts superior statistical output to Elanga despite playing fewer minutes last season.
His 12 goals and 9 assists across all competitions came at a rate of 0.82 goal involvements per 90 minutes – significantly higher than Elanga’s 0.61.
The data comparison reveals why Adeyemi has attracted interest from Juventus, Liverpool and Chelsea:
| Key Metrics (per 90) | Karim Adeyemi | Anthony Elanga |
|---|---|---|
| Goals & Assists | 0.82 | 0.61 |
| Goals per Shot on Target | 0.39 | 0.25 |
| Progressive Carries | 4.28 | 3.67 |
| Successful Take-Ons | 2.52 | 0.90 |
| Goal-Creating Actions | 0.69 | 0.65 |
| Defensive Contributions | 1.7 | 0.90 |
Adeyemi’s blistering pace (36.30 km/h top speed) and reputation as a “counter-attacking weapon” align perfectly with Howe’s preferred transitional style.
Newcastle experienced this firsthand during their Champions League encounters with Dortmund, where the German’s assist for Julian Brandt showcased his ability to punish elite defenses.
At an estimated £43 million – £17 million less than Forest’s Elanga valuation – Adeyemi represents both financial and tactical value.
His superior chance creation, dribbling success rate, and defensive work rate address multiple areas where Elanga falls short. However, the Bundesliga star’s injury history and adaptation to Premier League physicality remain legitimate concerns.
Newcastle’s recruitment team face a complex calculation. Persisting with Elanga would mean paying a premium for proven Premier League performance, while Adeyemi offers higher upside at a lower cost but with greater transition risk.
The decision may hinge on how quickly Howe needs his new winger to contribute, with Elanga’s top-flight experience potentially giving him the edge for immediate impact.
As negotiations continue, one thing is clear: Newcastle cannot afford another window where key positions go unaddressed.
Whether they ultimately secure Elanga, Adeyemi, or another target altogether, this signing will reveal much about the club’s ambition and scouting acumen as they prepare for their Champions League return.
The right choice could provide the creative spark needed to compete on multiple fronts; the wrong one might leave them shortchanged in Europe’s elite competition.
With preseason approaching, Newcastle’s hierarchy must now decide – pay the premium for Premier League-proven Elanga, or take the calculated gamble on Adeyemi’s higher ceiling? The answer could define their season.