Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has spoken candidly about why Anthony Elanga has struggled to make a significant impact since joining the Magpies over the summer.
The Swedish winger arrived at St James’ Park from Nottingham Forest for a reported £55 million, a fee that mirrors the club’s record outlay on Sandro Tonali in 2023. Expectations were high, especially given Elanga’s record last season, which saw him register 18 goal contributions.
However, the reality so far has been starkly different, with the 22-year-old yet to score or assist in his first 16 appearances for Newcastle in the Premier League.
Howe insists that Elanga’s struggles are not down to a lack of quality but rather an adjustment period. Speaking to NewcastleWorld, Howe emphasized that the Swede is adapting to a different style of play and that patience is key.
“I think he’s just adjusting to a different style of play,” Howe explained. “Sometimes that adjustment happens quickly, sometimes it takes a little bit longer with certain players. Anthony is working very, very well. I’m really impressed with his attitude and desire to do well. His focus and professionalism is at the highest quality.”
The Newcastle boss went further, expressing full confidence in Elanga’s ability to thrive once he settles in. “I really, really back him. I think he’s going to come good and do some amazing things for us. But we’re just taking it slowly with him.
While Jacob Murphy is playing so well, I don’t see why there’s a big rush. We need to support him, help him, and let him do his stuff.” Howe highlighted the importance of context when evaluating Elanga’s slow start, noting that numbers alone do not tell the full story.
The wider picture for Newcastle’s wide players is also concerning. Howe’s other wingers, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon, have similarly struggled in front of goal this season.
None of the club’s regular wide players have registered a goal or assist in the Premier League so far, which Howe admits is far from ideal. “Of course it’s a concern for us,” Howe said. “We want all of our attacking players to be flowing and in a really confident place.
Our wingers, historically, have been very good in terms of numbers. It’s a big surprise that those stats are what they are. But I back them I back all of them. They’re all good players and I don’t see an issue with any quality of the players.”
Howe stresses the need for patience and support. “There are a whole host of reasons behind the numbers, and whenever you look at a pure stat, you can jump to conclusions.
We’ve done that, and now we need to help and support these players to get back to their best. If you asked them all, they’d be saying creating, assisting, and scoring, so that’s what we need to do.”
Elanga himself has expressed optimism about his move to Newcastle and his desire to take his game to the next level. The winger told reporters that the move was designed to accelerate his development under Howe’s guidance.
“I want to take my game to a whole new level, which I think I can, especially with the gaffer and the players here. They are going to make me even better,” he said.
He added: “So far it has been amazing, and I’m looking forward to playing now. I’m a pacey and direct player. I can play on either side, I can play as a striker. I can use both feet.
I’ve got lots of weapons to my game. Coming here at this moment in time, it is perfect for my career. What we want to achieve, how we want to play this season, it’s going to be perfect.”
Elanga’s comments and Howe’s backing reflect a shared belief in long-term development rather than instant results. Newcastle United are investing heavily in building a team capable of sustained success, and Howe sees Elanga as a key part of that vision.
Both manager and player are aligned in their focus on patience, growth, and adaptation, with the expectation that the Swede’s impact will rise dramatically as he becomes more comfortable in the Premier League’s demanding environment.
