Anthony Elanga arrived at Newcastle United in the summer with big expectations on his shoulders. The club moved quickly to secure his signature from Nottingham Forest, paying £55 million for a player they believed could add pace, power, and direct running to Eddie Howe’s attack.
As the first signing of the window, Elanga’s arrival sent a clear message about Newcastle’s ambition. However, football is rarely instant, and his first months on Tyneside have proven more challenging than many anticipated.
Despite already having solid Premier League experience, the 23-year-old winger has found it difficult to make an immediate impact. His numbers tell part of the story.
One assist in 25 appearances, with just 11 starts, is not the return fans hoped for, and the search for his first goal in a Newcastle shirt continues. In a league where patience is often thin, those statistics have naturally drawn criticism and raised questions about whether he can justify his price tag.
The moment that summed up the current debate came late in the recent match against Chelsea. Elanga burst forward with electric speed, latching onto a quick throw from Aaron Ramsdale.
It was a moment that showed exactly why Newcastle signed him. He created the chance almost by himself, using raw pace and athleticism to get beyond the defence.
Yet the final decision let him down. Instead of squaring the ball to Harvey Barnes or Yoane Wissa, he chose to shoot and dragged the effort wide. It was another example of promise without reward, and it quickly became a talking point.
Rather than distancing himself from the situation, Eddie Howe has stepped in firmly to defend his player. The Newcastle boss has made it clear that he believes the criticism around Elanga has been unfair and, at times, overly negative.
From Howe’s perspective, too much focus has been placed on what Elanga has not done, rather than what he consistently brings to the team.
Howe has pointed out that if you collect Elanga’s best moments in a Newcastle shirt, you would see a player with outstanding qualities. His pace, strength, and willingness to stretch defences are rare assets.
The Chelsea incident, in Howe’s view, actually highlighted this. Many players would never have reached that position in the first place. Elanga did, because he has physical tools that few others possess. The problem was not the movement or the desire, but the final touch.
According to Howe, that missing end product is the only piece holding Elanga back from wider recognition. Goals and assists are what attackers are judged on, and both the player and the club know they must improve.
However, Howe is convinced that this part of Elanga’s game will come with time. Confidence, comfort, and a sense of belonging play huge roles in attacking football, and those feelings do not always appear instantly after a big move.
The Newcastle manager has also highlighted Elanga’s attitude behind the scenes. Training performances matter greatly to Howe, and he has described the winger as one of the best trainers at the club.
That level of professionalism and effort is something coaches value deeply, especially during difficult periods. It shows a player who cares, who wants to improve, and who is willing to put the work in every single day.
Settling into a new club can be harder than many people realise. New surroundings, new teammates, new expectations, and a heavy transfer fee all add pressure. Howe believes that the quicker Elanga feels fully at home, the better version of the player Newcastle will see.
From his point of view, the raw materials are already there. The pace cannot be taught. The strength cannot be trained overnight. What needs time is belief and calmness in the final moments.
Howe has been clear that his faith in Elanga has never wavered. He sees a dedicated professional who desperately wants to succeed at Newcastle United.
That belief from the manager could prove vital as the winger continues to search for his breakthrough moment. Football careers often turn on confidence, and one goal or one big performance can change everything.
For now, Newcastle are standing by their man. The club did not spend £55 million on potential alone, but on a player they trust will grow into a key figure. Eddie Howe’s message is simple and steady.
Anthony Elanga has the tools, the mindset, and the work ethic. With patience and support, he believes the rewards will come, and when they do, Newcastle fans may look back on this early struggle as just another step in the journey.
