Highly-rated £19m star will “soon” follow Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United
Newcastle United show no signs of slowing down in the transfer market as they continue reshaping the squad under Eddie Howe’s guidance.
After a comparatively quieter window last summer, this year has already marked a significant shift in momentum. The club secured the signing of promising teenage winger Antonio Cordero and is now closing in on a £55 million deal for Nottingham Forest forward Anthony Elanga, reflecting Howe’s clear intent to strengthen the squad with dynamic young talent.
Elanga, aged 23, looks poised to slot into the right-wing position, complementing Anthony Gordon on the left and Alexander Isak through the middle—assuming the Swedish forward resists any tempting offers from Liverpool.
Elanga’s contributions last season were considerable; he tallied six goals and 12 assists for Nottingham Forest and played a key role in their impressive seventh-place finish in the Premier League.
His direct style, blistering pace, and creativity in the final third offer an ideal fit for Howe’s attacking system. Earlier today, Elanga arrived in Newcastle to undergo his medical, all but confirming the transfer’s final steps.
While attention is naturally drawn to Elanga’s headline-grabbing move, Newcastle’s focus extends beyond bolstering their front line. Defensive reinforcements are equally high on the agenda, with Howe particularly keen on Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.
Newcastle endured a difficult 2024/25 campaign when it came to injuries, particularly in defence. Key players such as Sven Botman and Lewis Hall spent extended periods on the sidelines, weakening the Magpies’ backline during crucial stages of the season.
Howe’s interest in Guehi underscores a desire to prevent a repeat of that vulnerability, and reports suggest Newcastle remain confident of beating out competition from Liverpool to secure the defender’s signature.
Guehi’s leadership, composure under pressure, and versatility make him an ideal candidate to strengthen a defence that struggled to maintain consistency last season.
Beyond the Elanga and Guehi pursuits, the club also appears close to finalizing a deal for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford. At just 22, Trafford has already established himself as Burnley’s first-choice shot-stopper and played a pivotal role in their promotion campaign.
However, he is now reportedly seeking a move to a club with higher ambitions, and Newcastle’s return to European competition may offer just the platform he seeks.
Journalist Mark Douglas, writing via social media, confirmed the club’s growing confidence in wrapping up the deal, suggesting Trafford will soon be confirmed as a Newcastle player.
Should the move go through, Trafford would likely be groomed as the long-term successor to Nick Pope. While Pope has served reliably between the sticks, the club may now be looking for a younger, more mobile alternative to handle the demands of Howe’s evolving system—especially with Champions League football back on the agenda.
Trafford’s commanding presence, quick reflexes, and impressive distribution align well with the modern requirements for a top-level goalkeeper.
Newcastle’s aggressive activity in the early stages of the window sends a strong message to both fans and rivals: the club is not content with merely competing but is aiming to push further, challenge on multiple fronts, and reinforce its reputation as one of England’s most ambitious teams.
With Elanga all but through the door, Guehi on the radar, and Trafford expected to sign soon, the foundations are being laid for a team built not only on promise but on immediate impact.
Eddie Howe, backed by the club’s board, is shaping a squad capable of delivering results now while also nurturing talent for the future.
Newcastle’s summer so far reflects a careful blend of strategic ambition, smart recruitment, and confidence in the manager’s vision—ingredients that could well lead to a breakthrough season on both domestic and European stages.