Credit: Imago

Jack Dawson

Wed 11 March 2026 8:04, UK

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Newcastle United fans have called for Anthony Elanga to be sold in the summer after their 1-1 draw with Barcelona on Tuesday.

The two sides were unable to be separated in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie, with Lamine Yamal scoring a late penalty to rescue a draw at St James’ Park.

The hosts were highly unlucky not to take some sort of advantage to Camp Nou next week, with numerous players having excellent games.

However, one performance that drew criticism was that of Elanga’s, with the winger once again having a goalless display in Newcastle’s intense showdown.

Newcastle United fans label Anthony Elanga as ‘worst signing of all time’

Since his big-money move to St James Park in the summer, Elanga has done little to impress.

The 23-year-old has only netted once to date and has picked up just two assists in 41 appearances in all competitions.

His lack of output was on show once again against Barcelona as he struggled to create anything up top.

With the former Nottingham Forest star costing Newcastle £55million in the summer, many are furious with just how poor Elanga is.

As a result, many supporters took to X after the match to blast the attacker, highlighting his lack of output as the major concern.

Elanga must be sold this summer, he’s been terrible. Other than speed he has offered nothing. He killed most of our attacks tonight and we looked twice as threatening when he went off for Murphy. What a terrible summer window #NUFC

— Andrew Pyle (@PyleAndrew) March 10, 2026

Elanga is the worst signing of all time like #nufc

— Sam (@Sam22Maverick) March 10, 2026

Can no longer defend elanga , that game was built for him and he didn’t even play like elanga #NUFC

— nufc.acc (@NUFC_caz) March 10, 2026

Elanga just can’t see the pass/cross fast enough. Same as Willock. Always the same story. #nufc

— Mark (@doppelmock) March 10, 2026

However, others were quick to defend Elanga, believing that there are clear signs of improvement in his game.

There’s almost a willingness for Elanga to have a poor game from ‘X’ fans, but he was decent tonight.#nufc

— DT (@DT3NCH) March 10, 2026

Why is Elanga coming off? He’s been great so far #NUFC

— H A R R Y (@Gl3_Harryb) March 10, 2026

Elanga, Hall and Joelinton did well tonight

— HOWE OUT (@BrianPinas9) March 10, 2026

How bad was Elanga vs Barcelona

Earlier this season, Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Newcastle are concerned about Elanga’s performances, and it is easy to see why.

According to Fotmob on 11 March, the winger struggled to create anything up top.

He completed just seven passes, had two shots, created zero chances, failed to complete a single cross, and was even dispossessed three times.

For a player who cost £55m, these stats are horrific and showcase why many fans feel that the signing was a waste of money.

Simply put, Elanga has to start doing more and claiming more goals and assists if he is to succeed.

If not, he will go down as one of the biggest flops in the clubs’ history, and perhaps even cause the downfall of Eddie Howe at St James’ Park.