Anthony Elanga represents a breakthrough for Newcastle United, but there are still issues internally when it comes to transfers.
It has taken Newcastle United a long time to sign Elanga, but the deal is officially done. He is now part of the Newcastle United squad, signing a five-year contract after arriving from Nottingham Forest for £55million.
But that will not be the end of the Magpies’ business, with Eddie Howe needing further reinforcements.
Newcastle continue to chase James Trafford, while they also want to bring in a centre-back and a striker. If Sean Longstaff leaves, Newcastle could target a centre-midfielder too.
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Newcastle United can only work on ‘one deal at a time’ as Anthony Elanga signs
Newcastle want to sign a striker next, but if fans are expecting a raft of quickfire signings then they are going to be disappointed.
That is according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, who has spoken on his YouTube channel about the problems Newcastle United have internally following Paul Mitchell’s departure as sporting director.
“The information I’m being given is the hope is more good players are set to join,” he said.
“That’s the wording I’ve been hearing.
“They’re having to do one deal at a time because there is not a huge amount of people working on it. No sporting director. Essentially no chief executive. They’re really having to spread the load. They can only do one deal at a time. It’s not like Newcastle are out there working on multiple deals.
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“Yes they are looking at other players and making enquiries, but once they strike a deal and a player comes in they can only do one at a time, which is a bit of a problem as it might mean you miss out on a certain player.
“My information is Newcastle’s priority next is to bring in a striker.”
The striker Newcastle United should sign as their next priority becomes clear
Having missed out on Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, Newcastle United are desperate to solve their striker situation. As it stands, Howe will go into the 2025/26 season with just Alexander Isak and Will Osula. That is a risk given the fitness problems Isak has had and Osula’s lack of experience.
Newcastle United need further depth up front, as they plot their next move.
Yoane Wissa is a target for Newcastle United, and he feels like a perfect fit for Howe’s side. The 28-year-old was outstanding for Brentford last season, scoring 20 goals in all competitions. He can also play out wide, offering the type of versatility that Howe craves.
However, Newcastle do face competition for the DR Congo international. Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest want Wissa too, and they could be better placed to strike a deal amid the lack of manpower internally at St James’ Park.
This is the type of deal that the Magpies need to complete, but also the type of deal they could miss out on due to not having a sporting director.
In terms of alternatives, Newcastle have spoken to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, while Ollie Watkins’s name has been discussed. Signing the latter feels extremely unlikely, however.