THRU BLACK & WHITE EYES - Breaks - 9/Jul/25
Signs of life at Newcastle United!
Well, as I write Anthony Elanga has just stepped off a plane at Newcastle Airport with the intention of completing his medical and signing a five year contract with Eddie Howe’s Mags. United will pay Forest £55m for the Swede and it is even thought he will join pre-season training by the end of the week. It is the club’s first signing in three windows.
I’ll leave all the statistical analysis about goals, assists, transitions and all of that palaver to those it matters to but for this half-arsed fanzine scribbler, I’ll say only a few things - we have signed a very good player. Elanga will strengthen us down the right-hand side and with Murphy who has done more than pay his own wages in recent seasons, we have an altogether stronger right hand-side than for some considerable length of time.
Like many, I am relishing a front three of Elanga-Isak-Gordon which is of the quality to move us closer to the summit of the Premier League.
I make Elanga’s signing our key acquisition of this summer. We have spent a considerable amount of money on the lad but he is PL proven and will be able to go straight into the first team. Having our main summer signing so early in the pre-season is a huge bonus.
Elanga gives us more pace and power in attack but his adaptability across the front line will allow Howe further tactical flexibility in the coming season. The Swede isn’t the finished article and at twenty-three has the potential to improve further. Howe’s ability to grow talent was perhaps a key reason he has decided to move north - though a fatter wage packet, the Champions League and playing with better players no doubt also appealed.
We know our pre-season preparations are far from over. We have been continually linked with Burnley’s goalie James Trafford and it is reported the Cumbrian is keen on a move to Gallowgate. Let’s hope we can make that happen. Trafford is likely a successor in the England team to Jordan Pickford. He would be a signing for the present and the future.
Our name has been associated with Atalanta’s central defender Giorgio Scalvini but that doesn’t seem to be as strong a link as others. Like all the best players, powerful clubs are interested in the top players and I’ve read Liverpool have their eye on him. If that is serious interest from Merseyside then we will have our work cut out beating the Champions for his signature. That presumes the media talk is accurate and of course working that all out is a fool’s errand. The majority of all of that noise is best ignored.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is now a free agent after leaving Everton on the completion of his contract. He may have options and we might be interested in him. Conversely, we might not. He’s a good player in my opinion though injuries might be a concern.
Elanga’s arrival however is a sign things are stirring at United but we will need more recruitment for what will be a challenging as well as exciting season.
It also seems to be the case our own Sean Longstaff could be joining Leeds for a £10m fee. First team opportunities have been hard to come by for the North Shields lad given the excellence of Sandro Tonali and he might have even been overtaken in the pecking order by Lewis Miley. If he does leave United I’m sure the vast majority of Mags will be grateful for the role Sean has played in the renaissance of the club since the takeover.
Longstaff emerged under Rafa, picked up a serious injury and Steve Bruce’s ineptitude might have even cost him his career but for Howe’s arrival. Like others (Schar, Joelinton, Murphy, Almiron) Longstaff has thrived under the tutelage of Eddie Howe.
Langy has been a key part of our story over the last four years. League Cup Semi Final and Champions League goals, coolly taken penalties and a work-rate and honesty which should mean he is welcomed back as the Son of the Tyne he unquestionably is. If Sean goes to Leeds he is joining a proper club with a big, passionate support and he’ll improve them significantly.
Also hitting the exits is Callum Wilson. Like Longstaff, Wilson’s name will be long remembered for the key part he played in saving from us what looked like a certain relegation in the takeover season. Then followed Champions League qualification and the No.9 played a full part in that amazing achievement. Like Longstaff he has a well-earned League Cup winners medal and he has achieved Honorary Geordie status for his contribution to our just and righteous cause. He’ll be welcome back here any time.
Both lads are part of the Newcastle United story now and every Mag I know wishes them well.
There is loads of stuff outstanding the club needs to address … Sporting Director, Chief Executive, Stadium, training ground and yes how United intend to respond to the nonsense of PSR and the scams exploited by Chelsea, Villa and the outstanding 115 charges Man City are still on the hook for. The findings of that case will have implications for Newcastle United possibly more than anyone outside of East Manchester.
None of that is for the here and now though … let’s get that photo of Elanga in front of the East Stand scarf (or more likely new home-shirt) aloft and move onto the next items on the summer recruitment agenda.
Great signing United … who’s next?
Keep On, Keepin’ On …
Michael Martin, @TFMick1892.bsky.social
He also shares an agent with Tonali!
If it was me then the next signing would be Scalvini. I've only watched youtube highlights and despite how deceptive that can be he looks the best C B I've ever seen. Difficult deal to do and huge competition but the lad is the real deal.