Big star names the player who is helping him settle in at Newcastle United, it’s not Osula

Anthony Elanga is wasting no time in adjusting to life at Newcastle United, and his smooth integration into the squad is already drawing attention.

As the 23-year-old winger prepares to step onto the pitch in front of the passionate Toon Army for the very first time in their friendly against Celtic, his early impressions of life at St James’ Park suggest a player already feeling at home.

Signed for a reported £55 million, Elanga joined a club where he’s not starting from scratch — and that’s proving to be a key advantage in his transition.

Familiar faces have certainly helped. Elanga shares a strong bond with Will Osula and already has an established relationship with fellow Swedes Alexander Isak and Emil Krafth.

That Scandinavian connection has laid a solid foundation, but what’s really making the difference behind the scenes is the support he’s receiving from a player who understands his situation firsthand — Anthony Gordon. Despite Osula and Isak being natural reference points, it is Gordon who Elanga credits most for easing his transition.

In a recent interview with the i Paper, Elanga opened up about how Gordon has taken an active role in helping him settle. While praising Isak for his quality and presence in training, Elanga shifted the spotlight toward Gordon, highlighting his behind-the-scenes impact.

He described Gordon not just as a teammate but as someone who’s gone out of his way to be welcoming, approachable, and helpful, both on and off the pitch.

That type of camaraderie is not always guaranteed in football dressing rooms, but at Newcastle, it appears to be a key part of the club culture — one that’s helping new arrivals hit the ground running.

Gordon himself is no stranger to the experience of adapting to a new club environment. When he moved to Newcastle from Everton in January 2023 in a £45 million deal, he walked into a tightly-knit group in the middle of a competitive season.

Finding his feet wasn’t instantaneous. Yet, his integration was made easier by the guiding presence of Callum Wilson, who embraced the role of mentor during Gordon’s early weeks on Tyneside.

Wilson spoke openly on the Footballer’s Football podcast about how he took Gordon under his wing, not because Gordon lacked professionalism or quality, but to help him understand the unique dynamics of the Newcastle dressing room.

Wilson’s support focused on more than just physical preparation or tactical nuances. It was about the little things — being punctual, respecting the dressing room culture, and maintaining high standards in daily routines.

Those seemingly minor habits played a major part in shaping Gordon’s early experience at Newcastle and gave him the grounding to flourish in the months that followed. That influence clearly left a lasting impression.

When Wilson’s departure from the club was confirmed earlier this summer, Gordon responded with a heartfelt tribute, underlining the respect and appreciation he held for the striker’s role in his development.

Now, Gordon finds himself passing that same support forward to Elanga, continuing a chain of mentorship that reflects the strong team ethos Eddie Howe has cultivated within the squad.

It’s a testament to the environment Newcastle has built — one where players look out for each other, where leaders are forged not just on the pitch but through their actions behind closed doors.

As Elanga prepares for his debut in black and white, he’s already benefitting from a dressing room culture that prioritizes unity and accountability.

His talent is undeniable, but it’s the human side of his move that’s standing out early on. Elanga’s gratitude toward Gordon shows how critical those connections are in shaping a player’s comfort and confidence at a new club.

And with support from familiar faces like Isak, Krafth, and now Gordon, it’s no surprise Elanga looks ready to make an impact from the start. If he continues on this trajectory, he could become one of the club’s most exciting signings in recent memory — both for what he brings to the field and how quickly he’s embraced the spirit of Newcastle United.