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Where will Anthony Elanga fit in at Newcastle United?

The article from Vavel.com, titled "Where will Anthony Elanga fit in at Newcastle United?" and authored by Harry Redda, explores the potential role of Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga at Newcastle United amid transfer speculation linking the young Swedish international to the Magpies. Published on January 10, 2024, the piece delves into Elanga's career trajectory, his current performance at Forest, and how he might integrate into Eddie Howe's squad at Newcastle, considering their tactical setup and squad dynamics. Below is an extensive summary of the content, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of the article's key points, analysis, and implications.

Anthony Elanga, a 21-year-old winger, has been a subject of interest for Newcastle United as they look to bolster their attacking options during the January transfer window. Elanga, who previously played for Manchester United, moved to Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2023 for a reported fee of £15 million. Since joining Forest, he has made a notable impact, contributing significantly to their fight against relegation in the Premier League. The article highlights Elanga's statistics at Forest, noting that in the 2023-24 season, he has scored 4 goals and provided 6 assists in 19 appearances, showcasing his ability to influence games both as a goal scorer and a creator. This output has caught the attention of Newcastle, a club with ambitions to compete for European spots and potentially challenge for trophies under the ownership of the Saudi Public Investment Fund.

The piece begins by contextualizing Newcastle's interest in Elanga within their broader transfer strategy. Eddie Howe, Newcastle's manager, has been tasked with building a squad capable of sustaining a push for Champions League qualification while managing financial constraints imposed by Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. The club has already made significant investments in recent windows, bringing in players like Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimarães, and Sven Botman. However, injuries and inconsistent form in certain areas of the squad have prompted Howe to seek reinforcements, particularly in wide attacking positions. Elanga, with his versatility, pace, and directness, is seen as a potential solution to these issues, offering depth and dynamism to Newcastle's frontline.

One of the central themes of the article is where Elanga would fit into Newcastle's tactical system. Under Howe, Newcastle typically deploys a 4-3-3 formation, with an emphasis on high pressing, quick transitions, and exploiting wide areas. The current wide options include Miguel Almirón on the right, Anthony Gordon on the left, and Harvey Barnes as a rotational option when fit. However, Almirón's form has dipped in the 2023-24 season, with the Paraguayan struggling to replicate the goal-scoring output he achieved in the previous campaign. Meanwhile, Gordon has been a revelation since his move from Everton, often cutting in from the left to create and score, but the squad lacks consistent depth on the wings, especially with Barnes sidelined by injury for much of the season. Elanga, who can play on either flank, offers flexibility. The article suggests that he could primarily compete with Almirón for the right-wing spot, given his natural tendency to play on that side at Forest, where he often cuts inside onto his stronger left foot to shoot or deliver crosses.

Beyond his positional fit, the article examines Elanga's playing style and how it aligns with Howe's philosophy. Elanga is described as a direct, pacey winger who thrives in one-on-one situations against full-backs. His ability to carry the ball forward and take on defenders would complement Newcastle's counter-attacking approach, particularly in games where they cede possession to stronger opponents. Additionally, his work rate off the ball is highlighted as a key attribute, fitting Howe's demand for relentless pressing from his forwards. At Forest, Elanga has demonstrated a willingness to track back and support defensively, which would be crucial in a Newcastle side that often relies on compact defensive structures to frustrate opponents before launching rapid attacks.

The article also considers the potential challenges of integrating Elanga into the Newcastle squad. One concern is whether he would be guaranteed regular game time, given the presence of established players like Gordon and the potential return to form of Almirón. At 21, Elanga is still developing and requires consistent minutes to refine his decision-making and end product, areas where he has shown inconsistency at times. The piece notes that while Elanga has improved his goal contributions at Forest compared to his time at Manchester United, there are still questions about his ability to perform under the heightened expectations at a club like Newcastle, which is pushing for top-four finishes and competing in European competitions. The author suggests that Howe would need to manage Elanga's minutes carefully, potentially using him as a rotational option initially while gradually integrating him into the starting XI.

Another point of discussion is the financial aspect of the potential transfer. Nottingham Forest, having paid £15 million for Elanga just six months prior, are unlikely to let him go cheaply, especially given their own relegation battle and the winger's importance to their squad. The article speculates that Newcastle might need to offer upwards of £20-25 million to secure his signature, a fee that could strain their budget under FFP constraints. However, the author argues that Elanga represents a worthwhile long-term investment, given his age, potential for growth, and Premier League experience. Compared to other targets Newcastle might consider, Elanga's familiarity with the league reduces the adaptation risk, making him a safer bet than an overseas signing who might require time to adjust to the physicality and pace of English football.

The piece also touches on Elanga's background and how his career path might influence his potential move. Having come through Manchester United's academy, Elanga was once seen as a bright prospect at Old Trafford, making 55 senior appearances for the Red Devils. However, limited opportunities under Erik ten Hag prompted his move to Forest, where he has rediscovered his confidence and form. The article suggests that a move to Newcastle could represent the next step in his career, offering him a platform to compete at a higher level while still being young enough to develop further under Howe's guidance. Howe's track record of improving young players, as seen with the likes of Gordon and Isak, is cited as a reason why Elanga might thrive at St. James' Park.

In terms of fan reception, the article anticipates a mixed response to Elanga's potential signing. Some Newcastle supporters might view him as an underwhelming target compared to more high-profile names linked with the club, such as Barcelona's Raphinha or Bayer Leverkusen's Moussa Diaby. However, others might appreciate the pragmatic nature of the signing, recognizing Elanga's potential to grow into a key player while addressing an immediate need for depth in wide areas. The author emphasizes that Newcastle's transfer strategy under Howe and sporting director Dan Ashworth has often prioritized value and long-term potential over splashy, big-name signings, and Elanga fits this mold.

In conclusion, the article paints a detailed picture of Anthony Elanga's potential fit at Newcastle United, weighing the tactical, financial, and developmental aspects of the transfer. It positions Elanga as a versatile, hardworking winger who could provide much-needed depth and dynamism to Newcastle's attack, particularly on the right flank. While challenges such as game time and transfer cost are acknowledged, the overall tone is optimistic about Elanga's ability to succeed under Howe and contribute to Newcastle's ambitions. The piece ultimately leaves readers with the impression that, while not a marquee signing, Elanga could be a shrewd addition to a squad looking to balance immediate competitiveness with sustainable growth. This summary, spanning over 1,200 words, captures the essence of the original article, providing an in-depth analysis of its content and implications for both Elanga and Newcastle United.

Read the Full VAVEL Article at:
[ https://www.vavel.com/en/football/1227322-where-will-anthony-elanga-fit-in-at-newcastle-united.html ]