Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United have entered a new era of ambition and belief. After several quiet transfer windows, the club made a bold statement this summer by bringing in six key players Nick Woltemade, Yoane Wissa, Jacob Ramsey, Malick Thiaw, Aaron Ramsdale, and Anthony Elanga.
The message was clear: Newcastle intend to compete at the highest level, both domestically and in Europe. But with new faces comes the challenge of balance and chemistry, particularly in attack, where the team has struggled for rhythm and creativity.
Injuries to Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have already shown how thin the depth can be in certain positions, especially on the wings.
With new striker Woltemade hitting form quickly, the focus has turned to how Newcastle’s wide players can complement his strengths.
Before their 4–0 win over Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League, the team’s expected goals were among the lowest in the Premier League, exposing their lack of cohesion in the final third.
However, recent matches have shown signs of improvement. The dominant win in Europe was followed by a strong display against Nottingham Forest, where Newcastle registered 3.45 expected goals a big leap from their earlier struggles.
These performances suggest that Howe’s men may finally be finding their attacking rhythm. Yet, as fans look for consistency, one name from the past inevitably comes to mind Allan Saint-Maximin.
Saint-Maximin was the definition of unpredictability dazzling one moment, frustrating the next. Signed from Nice in 2019 for £20 million, he quickly became one of the Premier League’s most entertaining wingers.
With his trademark headband, lightning-fast dribbles, and fearless flair, he could lift an entire stadium with a single run. In four seasons, he made 124 appearances, scored 13 goals, and created countless memorable moments.
But his magic often came with a downside. Injuries plagued his time at the club, forcing him to miss 46 games.
His defensive work rate also clashed with Howe’s intense, pressing style, which prioritizes structure and discipline over free-flowing individualism.
When Newcastle’s style evolved, Saint-Maximin began to feel like a relic of a previous era. In 2023, he left for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia a move that brought both emotional and financial consequences.
Despite the questions surrounding the transfer, fans still hold him dear, remembering him as the man who gave them hope when the club was fighting to survive.
But his departure also signaled a shift. Newcastle were now building a team around consistency, adaptability, and tactical intelligence rather than pure flair.
That is where Anthony Elanga steps in. At just 23, the Swedish international represents Howe’s modern version of Saint-Maximin explosive, skillful, and full of potential, but with the discipline to thrive in a system built on teamwork.
Elanga, a product of Manchester United’s academy, joined Newcastle from Nottingham Forest for £55 million this summer. His arrival was a statement of intent proof that Howe wanted pace, directness, and youthful energy on the flanks.
Elanga’s numbers already hint at his potential:
| Statistic | Anthony Elanga 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 38 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 11 |
| Progressive Carries | 102 |
| Progressive Passes | 63 |
| Source | FBref |
Elanga’s acceleration, intelligent movement, and ability to stretch defenses make him a natural fit for Howe’s high-tempo system. Journalist Laurie Whitwell even described his ability as “frightening” a word that perfectly captures how defenders feel when he’s in full flow.
During his time at Nottingham Forest, he registered 11 goals and 21 assists across 82 appearances, including 11 assists last season, proving he has the final-product potential that Newcastle fans crave.
His best performance so far came in the 4–0 Champions League win over Union Saint-Gilloise, where he played off the right and terrorized defenders all night.
He won a penalty, created key chances, and earned the Man of the Match award. His statistics from that game show just how complete his performance was: 7.8 kilometers covered, 13 sprints made, 54 touches, and 30 completed passes 25 of which were accurate. He also created one big chance, underlining his growing confidence in the final third.
However, much like Saint-Maximin before him, Elanga’s biggest challenge is consistency. Against Nottingham Forest, he struggled to impose himself, cutting a frustrated figure as Newcastle’s attack once again lacked fluency.
It’s a reminder that talent alone isn’t enough at the top level what defines a player is how often they can deliver.
Eddie Howe has been quick to defend his young winger, urging patience and understanding. The manager knows that brilliance takes time to mature.
Elanga has the raw materials speed, technique, intelligence to become one of the Premier League’s most feared wide players. But to truly replace Saint-Maximin’s magic, he must combine flair with reliability.
If he can achieve that, Anthony Elanga could become the player who finally bridges the gap between Newcastle’s unpredictable past and their structured, ambitious future.
With Woltemade leading the line and Elanga finding his rhythm, Newcastle may have found the perfect balance of chaos and control one that could define their push for European glory and another top-four finish.
