Newcastle now making triple transfer move Eddie Howe has waited over 12 months for

Eddie Howe’s pursuit of key signings stretches back well beyond this summer, with a number of targets resurfacing as the club begins shaping its squad ahead of the new campaign.

Among those is James Trafford, the Burnley goalkeeper who Newcastle tried to land last year in a deal worth around £20 million.

Though the move didn’t materialize at the time, Newcastle have continued to monitor the young shot-stopper closely, and their interest has remained steadfast heading into this summer’s transfer window.

The situation surrounding Trafford is emblematic of Howe’s long-term planning and his focus on establishing depth and competition in every department.

In contrast, the club’s stance on Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has shifted. While the England international was a top defensive target last summer, Newcastle have since diverted their attention to other emerging talents in Europe.

Giorgio Scalvini of Atalanta and Malick Thiaw from AC Milan have now entered the conversation as potential long-term partners for Sven Botman in central defense.

These aren’t easy deals to pull off, especially considering both players are young, in-demand, and playing for clubs not under financial pressure to sell. Still, the club’s scouting and recruitment staff are pressing ahead with these options, underlining Howe’s desire to solidify the spine of his defense for years to come.

On the attacking end, Anthony Elanga remains a priority. Howe’s admiration for the Swedish winger is no secret. The Magpies launched a frantic £45 million bid to sign him on deadline day last August, but Nottingham Forest rejected the offer.

This summer, Newcastle are back at the table with renewed determination and a stronger proposal, suggesting they are much closer to securing the deal.

Elanga’s speed, directness, and ability to operate across the front line make him an ideal candidate to bolster Newcastle’s attacking options, especially on the right wing—a position that has lacked a dedicated signing since Miguel Almiron joined in 2019.

While Elanga’s arrival would bring new energy and competition, Jacob Murphy’s excellent 2023–24 season cannot be overlooked. With 23 goal contributions across all competitions, he remains the frontrunner to retain his starting position when pre-season gets underway.

However, he’ll be well aware that reinforcements are coming, and the presence of young talent like William Osula only adds further depth to the competition for places. Howe thrives on internal competition and will welcome the selection dilemmas that come with a more robust and versatile squad.

Newcastle’s need for right-sided reinforcement predates even the club’s Saudi-led takeover in 2021, which highlights how this particular area has gone unaddressed for far too long.

Elanga could be the answer, not just as a short-term fix, but as a long-term asset who fits seamlessly into Howe’s high-pressing, energetic brand of football.

Midfield could also see some movement depending on the futures of Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock. While both players have been valuable contributors, uncertainty around their roles and potential offers from other clubs might prompt Newcastle to explore additional options.

If either were to leave, the club would likely look for a replacement capable of offering the same box-to-box energy, defensive coverage, and attacking drive.

Up front, questions remain about Callum Wilson’s long-term status. The veteran striker is yet to sign a new contract, and while his experience and leadership are valued, his injury record continues to raise concerns.

Should he move on, Newcastle would almost certainly prioritize the signing of a central forward to support and compete with Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most lethal finishers, but he cannot shoulder the attacking burden alone across multiple competitions.

As it stands, Newcastle have clearly identified their three most pressing priorities this window: a new goalkeeper, a central defender to partner Botman, and a dynamic right winger to finally address a long-standing gap.

With the transfer window in full swing, these moves could define the club’s ambitions not just for the upcoming season, but for the next phase of its rise under Eddie Howe’s guidance.