Newcastle have just bagged a transfer bonus – ‘What a player’
Anthony Elanga’s first words as a Newcastle United player perfectly encapsulated the mindset of a £55 million signing who values team chemistry as much as individual success.
In just a few minutes during his introductory interview, the Swedish international acknowledged the crucial role his new teammates have played in making the club feel like home, even singling out the very players he’ll compete against for a starting position.
His tone, genuine and humble, offered a glimpse into the type of personality Eddie Howe has consistently prioritized since taking the reins at St James’ Park.
Elanga expressed his admiration for the unity within the Newcastle squad, describing it as a “family club” where togetherness thrives both on and off the pitch.
His appreciation for the camaraderie and collective spirit was immediate and sincere, highlighting one of the intangible qualities that has helped Newcastle evolve under Howe’s leadership.
That level of maturity, sportsmanship, and selflessness is not new to those who have followed Elanga’s journey.
Former Manchester United coach Neil Ryan once described him as a well-mannered, deeply respectful young man, utterly devoted to football—a trait that has remained with him through the ranks.
Though only 23, Elanga arrives with both hunger and humility, the kind of competitor who elevates a dressing room rather than disrupts it.
He embodies the character-driven recruitment strategy Newcastle have embraced under Howe, where technical ability must be matched by the right attitude. Since 2021, the Magpies have invested not only in elite talent—names like Alexander Isak, Sandro Tonali, and Bruno Guimaraes—but also in personalities that enrich the culture of the squad.
Howe’s belief in character as the foundation of success runs so deep that he personally contacts former coaches, teammates, and staff who have worked with a target, to gain insight beyond what scouting reports can provide.
His attention to detail extends to working with recruitment consultants, such as Anton Robinson, who once revealed that Howe wants to understand everything from a player’s living situation to what motivates him outside football.
In Elanga, Newcastle are acquiring more than just pace and technique. They are welcoming a professional whose commitment to self-improvement borders on obsessive.
The winger has reportedly already planned for a personal recovery space in his new home, knowing he’ll spend two-and-a-half hours post-match on physical rehabilitation, regardless of kick-off time.
That level of dedication, especially at his age, signals a footballer determined to push his limits and contribute meaningfully in every match.
His professionalism also echoes through the parting words of those at Nottingham Forest, where Elanga spent two pivotal years.
Everyone at the club, from staff to players, extended heartfelt well wishes for his next chapter, a rare consensus in the modern game. Forest vice-captain Ryan Yates underscored Elanga’s impact, not just in terms of on-field performance, but also as a valued character in the dressing room.
Yates described him as “a really top lad” who will be “thoroughly missed,” sentiments that confirm Newcastle are gaining not only a skilled attacker but also a powerful influence behind the scenes.
For Howe and his evolving squad, Elanga represents yet another carefully calculated addition: a player whose talents serve the club’s ambitions, and whose attitude aligns with the identity Newcastle are forging.
The black and white shirt now belongs to someone who doesn’t just want to win games—but who wants to belong, contribute, and grow with a team that’s clearly building something lasting.