Elanga interest triggers wider scouting strategy
Newcastle United are stepping up their efforts to recruit a dynamic wide player this summer, with Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga their primary target. However, with Forest resisting the £45 million bid tabled earlier this week, the club are now exploring alternative options across Europe.
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TeamTalk reports that Newcastle’s opening offer for Elanga was swiftly rejected, despite the player’s openness to the move. Sources close to the deal suggest Elanga is “eager to join the project at St James’ Park,” while Eddie Howe remains keen to bolster the attack ahead of the 2025–26 campaign.
Newcastle’s recruitment team, aware of the complexities of negotiating with Forest, have drawn up a shortlist of four alternatives should Elanga remain out of reach.
Bakayoko and Adeyemi headline European shortlist
Among the alternatives is PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko. The 22-year-old Belgian has attracted attention for his one-versus-one ability, directness and goal contributions in the Eredivisie. Club sources believe Bakayoko’s creativity could offer “a new dimension” to Newcastle’s attack.
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Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi is also under consideration. The 23-year-old German international is known for his pace and versatility but may be difficult to prise away from the Bundesliga side without a significant bid.
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These names reflect Newcastle’s shift to a more continental approach in their recruitment, as the club positions itself to compete in both domestic and European competitions.
Premier League alternatives monitored closely
Domestically, Mohammed Kudus of West Ham is a name under active discussion. The Ghanaian international has impressed with his physical presence and flair, and while West Ham are reluctant to lose him, Kudus “does want to leave” this summer, according to the report.
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Malick Fofana of Lyon has also emerged as a long-term option. Just 19, Fofana is viewed as a prospect for the future. Newcastle have initiated contact with his representatives, although they are not alone in their admiration — Liverpool have also been linked as they seek alternatives to Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon.
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Forward planning hints at wider overhaul
Beyond the winger position, Newcastle remain focused on other additions. TeamTalk revealed on June 16 that the club is pressing ahead with discussions for Brighton striker Joao Pedro, aiming to beat competition from Liverpool and Chelsea.
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With a clear desire to deepen their attacking options, Newcastle’s proactive stance underlines their intent. Whether the end result is Elanga, Fofana or another name on the shortlist, the expectation is that at least one wide attacker will arrive before the window closes on 1 September.
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Gone are the days of settling for squad-fillers or loans with options to buy for Newcastle. Now we’re talking about elite young talent with genuine top-six credentials.
Elanga would be a great addition — Premier League proven, lightning quick, and ready to grow with this squad. But even if Forest dig in, the idea that Newcastle have names like Kudus, Bakayoko and Adeyemi on their radar is massive. These aren’t just backup plans, they’re statements of intent.
Bakayoko could be a real gem if they get him early. He’s fearless, gets fans off their seats, and could offer Newcastle something they haven’t had consistently since peak Saint-Maximin — unpredictability. And the mention of Joao Pedro as a possible second forward signing? That’s huge. It means they’re not standing still after last season’s highs and lows.
This is how a club builds sustainably. Whether it’s Elanga or someone else, it’s clear Howe and the team are building a squad to challenge at the very top.