Elanga and Semenyo transfer update as Newcastle react to Mbeumo blow
Newcastle have already missed out on Bryan Mbeumo this summer but remain interested in Anthony Elanga or Antoine Semenyo in a bid to get their “target position filled”.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track Podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Mohammed Kudus was another name on their list of targets to fix their issues at the right-wing position.
Jacob Murphy was in scintillating form for Newcastle last season, scoring nine goals and providing 14 assists as the Magpies scraped into the Champions League.
Given that the winger’s nine goals last season accounted for nearly half of his total since joining in 2020, and that the former Norwich man is now 30, the Magpies can be forgiven for seeking a long-term solution at the position.
Newcastle were primarily interested in Brentford’s star winger, but Mbeumo is expected to join Man United this summer, O’Rourke revealed to Football Insider on 5 June, leaving Eddie Howe’s side forced to look for an alternative.
Kudus, Elanga, Semenyo all on the list of targets for Newcastle
With Mbeumo out of the picture, the Magpies will turn to alternative options. O’Rourke revealed to Football Insider that Newcastle were interested in Elanga in September 2024.
After a stellar season with Nottingham Forest, the Swedish winger could be the man to “solve the problem” Howe’s team has at the position as they remain on his case in the wake of an impressive campaign at the City Ground.
Speaking on the new Inside Track, the senior correspondent highlighted Newcastle’s need to find a solution, and outlined a few names the Magpies could move for.
“Newcastle need to solve the problem of this right-sided attacker, because they’ve missed out on several targets already,” O’Rourke told Football Insider.
“They’ve missed out on [Bryan] Mbeumo, [Mohammed] Kudus might move higher up that list of targets.
“And there’s still interest in the likes of Anthony Elanga, who they previously tried to sign, and also Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth, who’s also on that list.
“I expect Newcastle to really ramp up their efforts to try and get this target position filled, and we’ll have to wait and see who they end up getting.”
Newcastle stagnant as rivals get head-start in summer business
Due to the revamped Club World Cup, FIFA created a new transfer window that runs from 1 June to 10 June, giving teams an early opportunity to do business.
United have already completed the signing of Matheus Cunha, Chelsea have confirmed Liam Delap’s signing, and Man City have added Tijjani Reijnders to their midfield.
As for Newcastle, though, there has been no action in the transfer window, and they are at risk of missing out on key targets.
The Magpies have not been helped by the sudden departure of sporting director Paul Mitchell, who is set to leave at the end of June after just a year in charge.
But that does not explain why no moves have been made, given that he is still in his post. Newcastle are returning to the Champions League and are free of the shackles of PSR this summer, although you wouldn’t know it given their inactivity so far.