After two seasons of progress beneath Eddie Howe, Newcastle United’s 2025/26 marketing campaign has been outlined by frustration within the last third.
The Magpies have proven their acquainted vitality and work charge, however targets have been tougher to return by, with the assault typically missing the sharpness that after made them such a menace.
Their defensive stability stays spectacular, recording six clear sheets already this season, however that solidity has come at a price.
The entrance line, rebuilt after Alexander Isak’s acrimonious exit, remains to be looking for fluency.
Even with flashes of promise from new signings like Nick Woltemade, Newcastle’s anticipated targets (xG) numbers have dipped in comparison with this stage final season – an indication of simply how a lot they’re lacking a constant finisher.
Howe has acknowledged that his aspect are in transition offensively, and that rebuilding the assault will take time.
But, in an try to sustain with their rivals, the membership are already planning for the longer term, investing closely in gifted younger gamers who can form the subsequent era.
A kind of gamers has develop into emblematic of Newcastle’s blended fortunes this season – an emblem of each the issues and the potential inside their ahead line.
Analysing Elanga’s inconsistent begin at Newcastle
When Anthony Elanga arrived on Tyneside, expectations had been excessive.
The Swedish winger’s £55m transfer from Nottingham Forest was seen as a press release of intent – an injection of tempo, directness, and work charge into Howe’s urgent system.
Early performances, nevertheless, mirrored the group’s inconsistency.
Elanga’s decision-making within the last third has typically been questioned, with moments of brilliance offset by stretches of frustration.
His underlying metrics mirror that imbalance: averaging 3.78 progressive carries, however contributing only one help in ten appearances.
Anthony Elanga – 2025/26 | |
|---|---|
Matches Performed | 7 |
Minutes | 329 |
Photographs | 3 |
Progressive Carries | 14 |
Progressive Passes | 6 |
Supply: FBref | |
But, there are clear indicators of enchancment. Elanga’s off-ball motion has advanced; he’s now making extra runs into the field, and his urgent success charge has risen from final season.
These adjustments counsel a participant adapting to Howe’s calls for, refining his uncooked athleticism into one thing extra structured.
Elanga’s renewed focus has coincided with Newcastle’s gradual tactical shift.
Howe has been experimenting with a rotating entrance three, giving Elanga license to modify wings or transfer inside – a task paying homage to how Miguel Almirón was used throughout Newcastle’s Champions League marketing campaign two seasons in the past.
He may not but be delivering the constant finish product anticipated of a beginning winger, however Elanga’s enchancment represents a microcosm of Newcastle’s broader attacking mission: not good but, however clearly on track.
And whereas Elanga continues to evolve within the current, a unique participant could be the one who defines Newcastle’s future.
Newcastle’s homegrown Elanga
At simply 18 years outdated, Trevan Sanusi is already being spoken about as one of many brightest prospects to return by Newcastle’s academy in years.
A fast, direct winger with a watch for purpose, Sanusi combines aptitude with intelligence – a participant as snug taking up defenders as he’s linking play in tight areas.
Born in Birmingham, he began at his hometown membership Birmingham Metropolis earlier than becoming a member of Newcastle in 2024, heading off curiosity from Manchester Metropolis, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, and Manchester United within the course of.
That degree of consideration speaks volumes about his expertise and potential ceiling.
Sanusi’s rise by the ranks has been regular and warranted.
He has represented England at each youth degree as much as U18, making six appearances for the U18s after debuting in opposition to Portugal in 2024.
For Newcastle, he made three Premier League 2 appearances this season earlier than heading out on mortgage to FC Lorient in France for the 2025/26 marketing campaign – a transfer designed to fast-track his improvement.
An unlucky ankle sprain has delayed his debut in Ligue 1, however the expertise of coaching in a brand new setting is already seen as beneficial by Howe’s employees.
Previous to his mortgage, Sanusi made his first-team debut for Newcastle, approaching as a second-half substitute within the 69th minute in opposition to Bromley, exhibiting glimpses of his tempo and composure at senior degree.
Described by NUFC Weblog as a “large expertise,” Sanusi’s strengths lie in his acceleration, shut management, and direct dribbling, all traits which Elanga has showcased in his early Newcastle days.
His skill to beat defenders one-on-one has additionally drawn comparisons to Allan Saint-Maximin in his pomp, although his decision-making is taken into account extra mature.
Howe has already proven he’s keen to belief younger gamers – Lewis Miley’s 26 first-team appearances in 2023/24 proved that – and Sanusi could possibly be the subsequent in line if he continues his trajectory.
For a Newcastle aspect looking for an attacking spark and long-term id, Sanusi represents each a reminder and a promise: the membership’s future gained’t simply be purchased, it will likely be constructed.
If Elanga can rediscover his leading edge and Sanusi fulfills his potential, Newcastle’s misfiring assault immediately might quickly be their best energy tomorrow.
