Newcastle ready to accelerate move for £40m “menace”, he’s even better than Elanga

Newcastle United have experienced a familiar twist in the transfer market, missing out on one of their long-standing targets, Bryan Mbeumo.

The Brentford winger, who attracted interest from multiple Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Tottenham, and Newcastle, reportedly chose Manchester United as his preferred destination.

While a deal has yet to be finalized, it effectively ended Newcastle’s pursuit of the Cameroon international and prompted a swift change of direction in their recruitment strategy.

In response, the Magpies shifted their focus to Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga. The Swedish international has already received the hallmark “here we go” confirmation from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, signaling the completion of personal terms and agreement between both clubs.

The transfer, set to cost Newcastle £55 million, represents a bold investment in their attacking future. Elanga, known for his electric pace and direct play, will offer an immediate boost to Eddie Howe’s wide options, where reliance has so far been heavy on Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon.

Despite the Elanga acquisition, Newcastle appear far from done. With the squad thin on the flanks, the club has reportedly turned its attention to another high-profile name—Jack Grealish.

The Manchester City winger is being targeted as the next marquee signing to reinforce Howe’s squad, and according to Football Insider, Newcastle are preparing to accelerate their interest in the 29-year-old this summer.

Interest in Grealish extends beyond the North East. Everton, fresh off their move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Napoli—recent Serie A champions—and a number of Saudi Arabian clubs have all been linked with the former Aston Villa captain.

However, City have placed a £40 million price tag on the England international, a figure that might be viewed as exceptional value considering his proven Premier League pedigree.

Grealish endured a frustrating 2024/25 campaign. He made just 32 appearances in all competitions, with only 20 in the Premier League, accumulating just 715 minutes of game time and contributing two goals and two assists.

He was left out of Manchester City’s Club World Cup squad and struggled to break into Pep Guardiola’s preferred eleven. Yet, despite his recent struggles, the winger’s overall quality remains undeniable.

His best season came during his final year at Aston Villa in 2020/21, when he recorded 18 goal contributions in 26 appearances.

He also ranked high in key passing and ball progression metrics, establishing himself as one of the most influential attacking players in the league.

By contrast, Elanga’s 2024/25 stats with Forest show promise, but suggest a stylistically different player—one who thrives more on explosive transitions than methodical build-up.

Here’s how both players compare statistically:

These stats clearly show Grealish offers more creativity and control, especially in terms of progressing the ball and unlocking defenses through passing.

Elanga, on the other hand, offers speed and vertical threat. Grealish excels in tight spaces and carries the ball intelligently, whereas Elanga thrives in open-field scenarios, often charging from deep and beating defenders in foot races.

If Newcastle can reinvigorate Grealish and help him rediscover the form he displayed during his Villa days, they could well pull off an even more impactful signing than Elanga.

Grealish, once described as a “menace” by football analyst Statman Dave, brings not just technical brilliance but also Premier League experience and a natural ability to dictate tempo from wide areas.

For a £40 million fee, bringing in an England international with a track record of influencing games at the highest level could represent a strategic masterstroke for Newcastle.

It’s not just about replacing Mbeumo or reinforcing the wings—it’s about assembling a dynamic, versatile frontline capable of challenging at the top end of the Premier League.

In a market where prices are often inflated for unproven potential, Grealish stands out as a calculated gamble that could pay off significantly if Howe unlocks his full potential.