“I Can’t Sign him”: Eddie Howe reluctant to sign Ligue 1 star with £60M Premier League target preferred

Eddie Howe’s transfer philosophy continues to spark debate among Newcastle United supporters as the manager appears to favor established Premier League performers over potentially higher-ceilinged foreign talents.

This preference has come into sharp focus with the club’s pursuit of Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga taking precedence over a move for Monaco’s highly-rated French winger Maghnes Akliouche.

The dichotomy in Howe’s approach reveals an intriguing tension in Newcastle’s recruitment strategy. While the Magpies have secured some of their most successful post-takeover signings from abroad – including Bruno Guimarães, Sven Botman, Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak – their current targets suggest a pragmatic shift toward players already acclimated to English football’s unique demands.

Journalist Mark Douglas reports Howe specifically values Elanga’s Premier League experience and immediate readiness to strengthen the first team, viewing these attributes as worth the premium price Forest demand.

Elanga’s versatility as either a right winger or forward makes him an attractive option for Howe’s tactical setups, capable of providing competition across multiple positions.

However, the Swedish international’s reported £60 million valuation raises legitimate questions about value for money, particularly when compared to Akliouche’s potentially lower price point and higher ceiling.

The 22-year-old Monaco star, formerly of France’s U21 setup, represents precisely the type of exciting prospect Newcastle previously targeted in their early post-takeover windows.

This apparent preference for domestic talent may reflect lessons learned from last season’s injury crisis and the challenges of integrating multiple overseas signings simultaneously.

Players like Gordon, Livramento and Hall demonstrated how Premier League-ready recruits can hit the ground running, a crucial factor as Newcastle prepare for another demanding campaign across multiple competitions.

Yet the financial implications cannot be ignored. Pursuing Elanga at £60 million over Akliouche at a presumably lower fee represents a significant allocation of resources that could limit Newcastle’s ability to address other positions.

The club’s simultaneous pursuits of James Trafford, Joao Pedro and Marc Guehi – all commanding premium prices as established English-based players – suggests a deliberate strategy to minimize adaptation periods, even at the cost of greater initial outlays.

Howe’s apparent reluctance to gamble on Akliouche may also stem from the need for immediate Champions League-level contributions.

While the Frenchman’s technical qualities and potential are undeniable, Elanga’s 38 Premier League appearances last season provide concrete evidence of his ability to perform consistently in the competition.

This ongoing transfer window presents Newcastle with complex decisions that will shape their trajectory for years to come. While the safer route of Premier League-proven talent offers short-term security, the club’s long-term ambitions may require them to occasionally take calculated risks on high-potential imports like Akliouche.

The coming weeks will reveal whether Howe’s preference for the familiar wins out, or if Newcastle’s recruitment team can identify overseas alternatives who satisfy both the manager’s immediate needs and the club’s broader vision.

Ultimately, Newcastle’s transfer strategy must balance competing priorities: securing players who can deliver now while still investing in future stars.

Howe’s apparent preference for Elanga suggests he believes Premier League experience carries a value that outweighs even significant cost differences – a philosophy that will be tested as the window progresses and alternatives potentially become more appealing.