Anthony Elanga: Newcastle's new wild card
Newcastle United’s first major move of the summer sees them land Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest in a £55 million deal, in a signing that underlines their intent to infuse more directness and unpredictability into their attack. The Sweden international exits Forest after two solid seasons at the City Ground, with his stock having risen sharply under Nuno Espírito Santo. Elanga might not yet be counted among Europe’s top-tier wingers, but his two-footed threat makes him one of the most difficult wide forwards to defend against. He finished the 2024–25 Premier League campaign with six goals and 11 assists from 38 appearances, with only six players bettering his assist tally. His output isn’t a coincidence. It’s built on a rare ability to drive at defenders from either side. Since 2021–22, only four Premier League players have posted a more balanced shot profile in terms of foot usage, including the likes of Son Heung-min and Diogo Jota. And then there's the ball progression. Elanga was the most effective player in the league at carrying the ball forward, leading in average carry distance (15.2m), vertical progression (11.9m), and share of vertical carry distance (78.6%). In short, he moves the game upfield, and fast. It’s this brand of high-speed, high-threat transition play that Newcastle have lacked in wide areas. With Elanga in black and white, they now possess one of the most direct wide forwards in the country. He’ll be competing with Jacob Murphy for the right-wing spot, who himself is a player who had an impressive campaign last season. That battle for first-choice status could bring out the best in both, and it’ll be fascinating to see who Eddie Howe backs when the season kicks off.
Benjamin Sesko: the Isak replacement?
Newcastle are also eyeing life after Alexander Isak and their prime target is RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko. The Slovenian striker may not yet boast Isak's refinement, but his upside is hard to miss. In the 2024–25 Bundesliga season, Sesko delivered 13 goals and 5 assists in 33 appearances, totalling 18 goal involvements across 2,399 minutes. His aerial presence, raw power, and instinct in the box have earned him the nickname The Beast, and at 6ft 5in, it's easy to see why. Statistically, Sesko still lags behind Isak in most areas. Isak posted better percentiles in non-penalty goals, expected goals, goal conversion, touches in the box, and xA. The Swedish forward also played more minutes (3005) and was more involved in overall play. But there are areas where Sesko shines, particularly in aerial duels, where he ranks far higher (91.0 to Isak’s 22.7). Given Newcastle’s growing reliance on wide service and set-pieces, that’s a weapon worth having. More importantly, Sesko is just 22 and has room to grow. His base level, which is 13 goals in a Leipzig side that failed to even qualify for Europe, shows he’s already effective. With better service, structure, and a more aggressive setup, his numbers could leap. Manchester United are circling too, but Newcastle see him as their next long-term No. 9. Whether or not Isak stays, the interest in Sesko is the best contingency plan they could come up with.
Yoane Wissa: Versatility and verticality up top
While one eye is on the future, Newcastle also want more certainty in the present, which is why Yoane Wissa has emerged as another high-priority target. Brentford are playing hardball, holding out for over £50 million, but Wissa’s intent is clear. He wants the move. And Newcastle are pushing. Wissa’s 2024–25 numbers speak for themselves: 19 goals and 4 assists in 35 Premier League appearances, contributing directly to 23 goals. Only a handful of forwards in England can match that output. But beyond the stats, it’s his positional flexibility that stands out. Primarily, Wissa has played across the front line for Brentford,part of a two-striker system with Bryan Mbeumo thereby making him a perfect fit in Eddie Howe’s system.Either on the left, but mainly as part of a two-striker pairing in transition-heavy setups, Wissa will bring goals with him. Since arriving in 2021, Wissa’s rise has been steady. From a rotational option to one of Brentford’s most dependable attackers, he’s grown into a player capable of hurting top teams. He offers verticality, relentless movement, and a ruthless edge in front of goal. And while Brentford are reluctant to let him go, the player’s stance and Newcastle’s urgency have tilted the equation. Talks have hit a standstill, but a resolution feels inevitable.
What this window says
Newcastle’s summer approach has been clear - to sign players with high upside, high output, and directness in play. Elanga is an elite-level carrier, Sesko brings aerial dominance and long-term potential, and Wissa offers end product across multiple positions. All three can slot into different game states and systems, providing Howe with tactical flexibility and depth. With Champions League aspirations still lingering and question marks over Isak’s future, this window could prove pivotal in setting the tone for Newcastle’s next chapter. One built on speed, power, and purpose. They're not just spending to stay competitive. They’re building a new identity.
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