Newcastle could still sign ‘world class’ forward compared to Anthony Elanga on a free transfer
Newcastle tried – but failed – to sign a new attacker for Eddie Howe before the transfer deadline.
In case you missed it, Newcastle actually made a £50m bid to sign Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest before last Friday’s 11pm transfer deadline – only for the Reds to reject the offer.
Now – however – Newcastle can still sign a “world class” forward even after the transfer window closed, one who has actually been compared to Anthony Elanga…
Newcastle can find temporary solution in Anthony Martial
Howe clearly wanted a new wide attacker this summer, as Newcastle also tried to sign Michael Olise before the France U23 international moved to Bayern Munich from Crystal Palace.
Unfortunately, this area never did see a signing arrive to bolster it, although Paul Mitchell – Director of Football at Newcastle – can still secure a temporary solution in Anthony Martial.
The France international surprisingly remains a free agent after his release from Manchester United at the end of last season, where he scored 90 goals and provided 47 assists in 317 appearances.
In fact, Martial was even considered a “world class” forward by Robin van Persie during his time at Old Trafford.
Of course, Newcastle ideally do not want to be rummaging around the free agent market at this stage of Howe’s project, but after an unsuccessful transfer window, signing the Frenchman could be a smart way to stay afloat until the January window, or even the summer of 2025.
The man from Massy is only 28 years of age, and Tottenham even considered signing Martial on a free transfer this summer, which tells you how he is still viewed positively among leading clubs.
Furthermore, the Manchester United releasee can play anywhere across the frontline, so his versatility could prove beneficial for Howe.
Interestingly, Elanga was actually tipped to be Martial’s replacement at Manchester United due to the pair’s similarities – such as their direct dribbling – so Newcastle may be tempted to offer him a contract, seeing as they made a £50m bid for Elanga himself.
Eddie Howe has been interested before
The AS Monaco academy graduate’s name might still actually be on a document somewhere inside St James’ Park, as Newcastle have shown interest in signing
A story from the Daily Mail claimed that Howe considered bringing Martial to Tyneside back in January 2022.
Now, with Martial currently twiddling his thumbs waiting for a new club, a move could finally happy if Newcastle decide to resurrect their interest.
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