Newcastle now move swiftly to double signing and ‘final green light’ – Fabrizio Romano

Newcastle United appear to be turning a significant corner in their summer transfer window, with two long-awaited deals edging closer to completion.

As the new football financial year begins, the Magpies are accelerating their efforts and finally look set to bring in two major targets, James Trafford and Anthony Elanga, after weeks of slow progress and missed opportunities.

For much of the early window, Newcastle seemed to be on the back foot. High-profile pursuits of players like Liam Delap, Dean Huijsen, and Joao Pedro ended in disappointment, as rival clubs either beat them to signatures or players opted for different paths.

These setbacks created understandable frustration among supporters and put pressure on the club’s recruitment team to act decisively before the new season kicks off. Now, it seems their patience and persistence are about to pay off.

In recent days, progress has been made on both the club and player sides regarding deals for Trafford and Elanga.

Anthony Elanga, in particular, has moved a step closer to becoming a Newcastle player following a £55 million bid submitted to Nottingham Forest. According to Fabrizio Romano, the two clubs are in active dialogue, and Newcastle remain optimistic about receiving the final green light.

Personal terms with Elanga are also close to being agreed, removing one of the last potential stumbling blocks in the deal. For Eddie Howe, the addition of a versatile, explosive winger with Premier League experience would be a huge asset to his squad.

David Ornstein previously noted that some details on Elanga’s side still required resolution, but Romano’s latest update indicates those issues are being smoothed over quickly.

Newcastle are pushing hard to complete the signing “as soon as possible,” suggesting formal announcements could follow swiftly if the final details fall into place.

Parallel to the Elanga developments, the situation around James Trafford is also rapidly advancing. The young England goalkeeper has reportedly agreed personal terms with Newcastle, a move that would see him compete directly with Nick Pope for the No.1 jersey.

Trafford has publicly expressed his desire to play for Newcastle, and his long-term interest in joining Howe’s project adds weight to this transfer’s momentum. Negotiations between Newcastle and Burnley are said to be progressing well, with both clubs working toward finalizing a deal that has been in the works since last summer.

Bringing in Trafford and Elanga would signal a major double breakthrough for a club that’s faced more than its fair share of frustration so far this window.

The fact that both players are keen on the move—and appear to align with the vision Howe has for the future—marks a notable shift from earlier pursuits. Targets like Pedro and Delap opted for London-based clubs, while Bryan Mbeumo’s financial demands proved too steep.

In contrast, Trafford and Elanga seem drawn by the sporting project on Tyneside and the opportunity to grow under Howe’s leadership.

This potential double signing also shows that Newcastle are strategically addressing key weaknesses within the squad. Elanga provides depth and pace in the wide areas, an issue that has lingered since last season.

Meanwhile, Trafford offers a youthful, high-ceiling option in goal as Pope approaches the twilight of his career. These aren’t just reactionary signings—they’re calculated investments in players with the potential to elevate the team now and in the long term.

Although the combined cost of the two could exceed £80 million, their arrivals would represent shrewd business if they perform as expected.

They would also allow Newcastle to move on from failed pursuits like Marc Guehi and Joao Pedro with confidence and clarity, redirecting their focus toward other areas such as central defense and forward versatility.

For supporters hungry to see progress, these impending additions offer hope and excitement. The groundwork appears laid, and with both players eager to join the project, it finally feels as though Newcastle are back on track in this critical transfer window.