Newcastle United are wasting no time in reshaping their squad for a blockbuster 2025-26 season, fresh off their qualification for the Champions League. The Magpies have ignited the transfer market by securing a £55 million deal for Nottingham Forest’s dynamic winger Anthony Elanga, a move that signals their ambition to compete at the highest level. With the ink barely dry on that agreement, manager Eddie Howe has turned his attention to a marquee target: Manchester City’s Jack Grealish. The 29-year-old England international, once the Premier League’s most expensive signing, is at the heart of Newcastle’s plans to bolster their attacking ranks, as they aim to make a splash in both domestic and European competitions.
The pursuit of Grealish comes at a pivotal moment for Newcastle, who finished fifth in the 2024-25 Premier League campaign, earning a coveted Champions League spot. Elanga’s arrival, finalized after weeks of negotiations, marks a significant coup. The 23-year-old Swede, who scored six goals and provided 11 assists in 38 Premier League games for Forest last season, brings pace and creativity to Howe’s squad. “I focus on what I can do and my focus today was on the match,” Elanga said during the transfer saga, maintaining a professional stance amid speculation. His ability to carry the ball over long distances—averaging 14.3 meters per carry, the highest in the league—makes him a perfect fit for Howe’s high-octane system. Fans are already buzzing, with one supporter, James, calling it “a statement signing for us,” while another, Rob, believes Howe will “get the best out of him.”
With Elanga’s medical completed and a deal potentially rising to £60 million with add-ons, Newcastle are now accelerating their interest in Grealish, whose future at Manchester City appears uncertain. The former Aston Villa captain, who joined City for £100 million in 2021, has struggled to secure a regular starting spot under Pep Guardiola. Despite contributing three goals and five assists in 32 appearances during the 2024-25 season, Grealish started only 16 matches and was notably omitted from City’s Club World Cup squad. “He’s still determined to succeed,” a source close to the player noted, suggesting Grealish’s desire to reignite his career at a club where he can be a central figure. Newcastle, with their Champions League aspirations, see him as a transformative addition to complement Elanga and star striker Alexander Isak.
Grealish’s £300,000-per-week wages pose a challenge, but Newcastle are reportedly exploring a loan deal to navigate the financial hurdles, positioning them ahead of rivals like Everton, Tottenham, and Italian clubs Juventus and Napoli. “A move for Grealish would be a good next addition for the Magpies as they prepare for Champions League football,” an analyst observed, highlighting his potential to thrive under Howe’s management. Former Manchester United scout Mick Brown echoed this sentiment, noting that Grealish could bring “valuable experience” to Newcastle’s dressing room. His flair, evidenced by a 35% dribble success rate and moments of brilliance like his match-winning runs at Villa, could unlock defenses alongside Elanga’s speed and Isak’s clinical finishing.
The Magpies’ transfer strategy reflects a broader vision to retain their core while adding proven talent. Despite interest from Manchester City in right-back Tino Livramento, Newcastle have stood firm, with sources indicating they’d only consider a “crazy offer” above £80 million for the England international. Similarly, midfielder Sandro Tonali, who has been a standout with five goals and three assists this season, has reaffirmed his commitment to the club. “Tonali has made it clear that he would like to stay at the club long term,” an insider revealed, quashing rumors of a return to Italy. Newcastle’s resolve to keep their stars, coupled with their pursuit of high-profile signings, underscores their ambition to challenge the Premier League’s elite.
Howe’s admiration for Grealish dates back to his time at Aston Villa, where the winger’s creativity and charisma made him a fan favorite. “There are few better than Grealish when at the top of his game,” a Newcastle source enthused, confident that Howe can tap into the player’s untapped potential. The club’s transfer activity, including interest in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, suggests a busy window aimed at building a squad capable of juggling domestic and European demands. Elanga’s signing, which includes a 15% sell-on clause netting Manchester United around £6.75 million, has already set a high bar, but Grealish’s potential arrival could elevate Newcastle to new heights.
As the Premier League season looms, Newcastle’s fans are dreaming of a campaign where their team not only competes but dominates. The addition of Elanga and the pursuit of Grealish signal a bold new era at St. James’ Park, where Howe’s vision is coming to life. Whether Grealish can rediscover his spark and help Newcastle shine on Europe’s biggest stage remains to be seen, but the Magpies’ ambition is undeniable.
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