Newcastle United are looking to improve on several areas in their roster as the Magpies will feature in the Champions League next season.
Eddie Howe understands that they will need depth to play and do well in four competitions simultaneously in the 2025/26 season.
Therefore, he is looking to upgrade the right-wing position despite Jacob Murphy’s career-best outing last season.
Howe is keen on elevating the quality of the team and feels Nottingham Forest star Anthony Elanga would be a big upgrade for them on the right flank.
Therefore, Newcastle United have been linked with the former Manchester United academy graduate. The Magpies have already seen their £45m bid get rejected.
Now, Newcastle have submitted a revised offer of £55m for the Swedish winger. This could be decisive as Forest have set an asking fee of £60m for the 23-year-old.
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Amidst the chase for Elanga, Newcastle United have lined up an alternative if the Elanga deal doesn’t materialise. They remain keen on PSV’s Johan Bakayoko, as per reports from Football Insider.
The Belgian could be a cheaper alternative to Elanga, considering Howe admires the PSV star, the deal could work as Bakayoko reportedly wants to move to St. James Park.
Who is Newcastle United target Johan Bakayoko?
Bakayoko has earned plaudits for his exceptional performances and potential in the 2024/25 campaign. He netted 11 goals and provided two assists in 42 appearances last season.
🚨 Newcastle would consider a move to sign Johan Bakayoko from PSV if they fail to get a deal over the line for Anthony Elanga.
(Source: Football Insider) pic.twitter.com/WrLDOOtKbd
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 6, 2025
The 22-year-old is predominantly a right winger who has a strong left foot. He is a prolific ball carrier with great technical ability, dribbling and close control.
His goal output went down significantly as he was in and out of the starting eleven, with only 17 starts of 30 league games. He still netted nine goals, but in the 2023/24 Eredivisie, he finished with a tally of 12 goals and nine assists.
The 22-year-old has also represented Belgium in a total of 18 matches after making his debut in March 2023. He scored his only international goal against Estonia in a Euro 2024 qualifying fixture.
Apart from Newcastle United, AS Monaco and Borussia Dortmund are also interested in Bakayoko. So it remains to be seen where he eventually moves this summer.
