How Newcastle can sign an elite-level Elanga for £55m before the deadline

Newcastle United may only be one game into the Matthias Jaissle tenure, but it’s hard not to get excited about what life could look like under the German’s guidance.

Amid all the turmoil of player sales and managerial changes this summer, the 38-year-old secured a 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday – with his side unlucky not to walk away with all three points.

His passion and vocal approach on the sideline has only fuelled the supporters’ admiration for the boss, who has already showcased a much more emotional side than former boss Eddie Howe.

The clash against Andoni Iraola’s men last weekend has already shown glimpses that he’s also starting to get the best out of numerous players who struggled to make the desired impact last term.

How Jaissle could resurrect Elanga’s Newcastle career

Newcastle supporters were hugely excited last summer after the club completed the £55m signing of winger Anthony Elanga from fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest.

However, they were certainly left wanting more from the Swedish international after 2025/26, with the 24-year-old failing to net a single league goal during his debut campaign.

Despite his struggles on Tyneside last term, new boss Jaissle has put faith in the attacker to make amends, subsequently starting him during Sunday’s 2-2 draw.

Such confidence paid off after just five minutes, as Elanga demonstrated his electric pace to storm past Milos Kerkez before firming home past Allison to net his first top-flight goal for the Magpies.

Jaissle’s counterattacking system seemed to get the best out of the big-money man, who proved to a huge threat down the right-hand side – especially when transitioning from defence to attack.

Alongside his goal, Elanga registered two shots on target, whilst also drawing three fouls from the opposition – who often resorted to bringing him down to stop him getting into full flow.

It’s certainly early days into his new life under a fresh management team, but it’s safe to say the German is already working his magic in getting the best out of the winger.

How Newcastle can land an elite-level Elanga this summer

Despite the immediate impact of Elanga under Jaissle, the Newcastle hierarchy are still firmly on the hunt to land added attacking reinforcements before the window slams shut.

Lille star Matias Fernandez-Pardo has emerged as one attacking target, with the Magpies even said to have submitted an opening offer to secure the Belgian international’s services.

However, he’s not the only forward-minded option in their sights, with Real Betis star Abde Ezzalzouli another player who’s hugely admired by staff on Tyneside.

TEAMtalk’s latest report states that the Magpies have been in constant contact with the LaLiga outfit over the possibility of securing a move for the Moroccan international.

The report also states that the player himself would be interested in a move to St James’ Park this summer, with a deal potentially being agreed before the window closes next week.

Whilst their article fails to mention a potential fee for the 24-year-old, previous reports have claimed that the Spanish outfit would demand around the €60m (£55m) mark to sanction a sale.

Ezzalzouli may be an unknown quantity to many Magpies supporters, but he’s a player who has massively caught the eye in Spain over recent months.

His stats from last season showcase his quality within the final third, with many of his subsequent figures a level above those produced by Elanga in 2025/26.

The Betis star netted 10 goals and laid on eight assists in Spain’s top-flight last season, with current Newcastle star registering 17 fewer contributions last time around.

Ezzalzouli also achieved a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate, whilst missing fewer big chances – undoubtedly making him a bigger goal threat for Jaissle’s men.

His creativity in the final third was also hugely evident throughout last season, as he created 1.3 chances per 90, 0.4 of which were defined as big chances.

The aforementioned figures were both higher than those produced by the Swedish international, whilst also bettering 85% of other forwards across Europe’s top-five leagues.

One of the winger’s biggest assets is his dribbling ability, which also saw him complete more take-ons than Elanga – subsequently handing Jaissle the direct forward option he’s craving.

£55m for a player of Ezzalzouli’s immediate quality and potential would be a superb piece of business and one which could provide the difference in the club’s hunt to return to glory.

After his start to the season, it may appear to be a harsh decision to drop Elanga, but ultimately, a move for the Moroccan would see the club land an elite-level attacking star.