He’s open to move: Howe now personally eyeing £40m star in next “smart” Newcastle signing
As Newcastle United edge closer to finalising a deal for Anthony Elanga, Eddie Howe is already setting the stage for another calculated move in the transfer market.
The Magpies have submitted a second bid for the Nottingham Forest winger, reportedly valued at £55 million, and are hopeful that negotiations will soon lead to an agreement.
Elanga, who flourished last season, would join a frontline already boasting the explosive pace and technical finesse of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.
This trio could easily become one of the most electrifying attacking units in the Premier League, posing constant danger to defenders with their speed, movement, and direct approach.
However, Howe and his recruitment team understand that Champions League football demands more than just a talented starting XI.
The brutal scheduling and intensity of competing on multiple fronts requires depth—something Newcastle lacked in their most recent European campaign.
That shortcoming, combined with mounting injuries and fixture congestion, ultimately disrupted the club’s rhythm and derailed momentum in both domestic and continental competitions. This time, they appear determined not to repeat the same mistakes.
With the club’s financial footing much firmer now—no longer shackled by Profit and Sustainability Regulation (PSR) constraints—Newcastle are in a position to act decisively in the transfer window.
While the pursuit of defenders like Giorgio Scalvini continues to make headlines, a fresh report suggests Howe wants to reinforce his attacking arsenal even further.
Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke has revealed that Howe is eyeing a “smart” deal for Johan Bakayoko, the PSV Eindhoven winger who is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most promising young talents.
With Bakayoko reportedly open to a move, and his contract entering its final year, Newcastle may find themselves in a strong position to negotiate favourable terms for a player whose price could prove a bargain by season’s end.
Bakayoko’s appeal lies not just in his affordability compared to other elite wide players, but in the raw numbers he delivers on the pitch.
Statistically, he has demonstrated a higher attacking output than Elanga in several key metrics. The table below provides a clear comparison of the two players from the 2024/25 campaign, highlighting what Bakayoko could bring to the Magpies.
| Metric | Johan Bakayoko | Anthony Elanga |
|---|---|---|
| Starts | 18 | 31 |
| Goals | 9 | 6 |
| Assists | 1 | 11 |
| Successful Take-ons | 47 | 25 |
Despite starting fewer games, Bakayoko matched or exceeded Elanga in goal contributions and dribbles, showcasing a fearless and productive style of play.
While Elanga has the edge in assists, Bakayoko’s ability to beat defenders one-on-one and score from open play adds another dimension to the attack. Together, they would give Howe the flexibility to rotate, adapt, and overwhelm opposition defences with consistent width, pace, and creativity.
Beyond statistics, Bakayoko also fits Newcastle’s current recruitment profile—young, hungry, and eager to prove himself on a bigger stage. Playing in the Champions League with Newcastle would represent a significant step up and a chance to test himself against the very best.
His potential arrival alongside Elanga would not only signal intent but also reflect a deeper strategic vision from Howe and the club’s hierarchy: build a squad not just for today, but for sustained success.
If both wingers arrive this summer, Newcastle would move from having a shortage of wide options to boasting one of the most dynamic collections of attacking talent in the league.
While Isak and Gordon already provide firepower and finesse, the addition of Elanga and Bakayoko would deliver unpredictability and squad depth—two ingredients crucial for survival and success at the highest level.
With the window still open and momentum building, Newcastle look poised to make waves again. And if Eddie Howe gets his way, these “smart” signings might just be the foundation for the club’s next leap forward—on the domestic front and across Europe.