Last night, we saw a flurry of reports arrive on Newcastle United’s bid to sign Anthony Elanga.
After Fabrizio Romano revealed that an improved offer of £55m had gone in, The Mail’s Craig Hope claimed the club were ‘on the verge’ of agreeing a deal with Nottingham Forest.
The Times states today that this £55m bid has now been accepted, while others say the finer details are now being finalised, with the structure of payments potentially the last hurdle if a broad agreement has been found on the overall fee.
We don’t want to jump the gun, but it feels like Elanga is finally closing in on a move to St James’ Park, allowing us to discuss what the 23-year-old could bring to Eddie Howe’s side on that right wing.
The obvious attraction is his blistering pace, 18 goal involvements last season, Premier League experience, potential to improve and relationship, on and off the field, with fellow Swede Alexander Isak and good friend Will Osula.
However, his incredible fitness levels and injury record should not be ignored. For a player of his explosive pace, energy and intensity, he’s a rare breed of winger in terms of his durability.
Over the last two seasons, Elanga has missed just TWO Premier League games, playing in 74 of a possible 76, making 82 appearances in all competitions in that time.
In that same period, for context, Harvey Barnes has missed 22 league games, while Joelinton has sat out 27.
Eddie Howe demands high intensity – in training and on a matchday – and Elanga has shown that he has the robustness to cope, not only bringing pace and athleticism to the side, but regular availability and a practically [spotless injury history](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/anthony-elanga/verletzungen/spieler/583189).
“Availability is the best ability” was a line once used by Anthony Gordon soon after developing his fitness and missing just three games across the 2023/24 campaign, where he got into double figures for goal and assists.
If Elanga does sign, he looks well set to bring this in bucket loads, and he’ll need to as we look to compete on four fronts in the league, two cups and Champions League.