After two seasons of progress under Eddie Howe, Newcastle United’s 2025/26 campaign has been defined by frustration in the final third.
The Magpies have shown their familiar energy and work rate, but goals have been harder to come by, with the attack often lacking the sharpness that once made them such a threat.
Their defensive stability remains impressive, recording six clean sheets already this season, but that solidity has come at a cost.
The front line, rebuilt after Alexander Isak’s acrimonious exit, is still searching for fluency.
Even with flashes of promise from new signings like Nick Woltemade, Newcastle’s expected goals (xG) numbers have dipped compared to this stage last season – a sign of just how much they’re missing a consistent finisher.
Howe has acknowledged that his side are in transition offensively, and that rebuilding the attack will take time.
Yet, in an attempt to keep up with their rivals, the club are already planning for the future, investing heavily in talented young players who can shape the next generation.
One of those players has become emblematic of Newcastle’s mixed fortunes this season – a symbol of both the problems and the potential within their forward line.
Analysing Elanga's inconsistent start at Newcastle
When Anthony Elanga arrived on Tyneside, expectations were high.
The Swedish winger’s £55m move from Nottingham Forest was seen as a statement of intent – an injection of pace, directness, and work rate into Howe’s pressing system.
Early performances, however, mirrored the team’s inconsistency.
Elanga’s decision-making in the final third has often been questioned, with moments of brilliance offset by stretches of frustration.
His underlying metrics reflect that imbalance: averaging 3.78 progressive carries, but contributing just one assist in ten appearances.
Matches Played
7
Minutes
329
Shots
3
Progressive Carries
14
Progressive Passes
6
Yet, there are clear signs of improvement. Elanga’s off-ball movement has evolved; he’s now making more runs into the box, and his pressing success rate has risen from last season.
These changes suggest a player adapting to Howe’s demands, refining his raw athleticism into something more structured.
Elanga’s renewed focus has coincided with Newcastle’s gradual tactical shift.
Howe has been experimenting with a rotating front three, giving Elanga license to switch wings or move inside – a role reminiscent of how Miguel Almirón was used during Newcastle’s Champions League campaign two seasons ago.
He might not yet be delivering the consistent end product expected of a starting winger, but Elanga’s improvement represents a microcosm of Newcastle’s broader attacking project: not perfect yet, but clearly heading in the right direction.
And while Elanga continues to evolve in the present, a different player might be the one who defines Newcastle’s future.
Newcastle's homegrown Elanga
At just 18 years old, Trevan Sanusi is already being spoken about as one of the brightest prospects to come through Newcastle’s academy in years.
A quick, direct winger with an eye for goal, Sanusi combines flair with intelligence – a player as comfortable taking on defenders as he is linking play in tight areas.
Born in Birmingham, he started at his hometown club Birmingham City before joining Newcastle in 2024, fending off interest from Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, and Manchester United in the process.
That level of attention speaks volumes about his talent and potential ceiling.
Sanusi’s rise through the ranks has been steady and assured.
In The Pipeline
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He has represented England at every youth level up to U18, making six appearances for the U18s after debuting against Portugal in 2024.
For Newcastle, he made three Premier League 2 appearances this season before heading out on loan to FC Lorient in France for the 2025/26 campaign – a move designed to fast-track his development.
An unfortunate ankle sprain has delayed his debut in Ligue 1, but the experience of training in a new environment is already seen as valuable by Howe’s staff.
Prior to his loan, Sanusi made his first-team debut for Newcastle, coming on as a second-half substitute in the 69th minute against Bromley, showing glimpses of his pace and composure at senior level.
Described by NUFC Blog as a “huge talent,” Sanusi’s strengths lie in his acceleration, close control, and direct dribbling, all traits which Elanga has showcased in his early Newcastle days.
His ability to beat defenders one-on-one has also drawn comparisons to Allan Saint-Maximin in his pomp, though his decision-making is considered more mature.
Howe has already shown he’s willing to trust young players – Lewis Miley’s 26 first-team appearances in 2023/24 proved that – and Sanusi could be the next in line if he continues his trajectory.
For a Newcastle side searching for an attacking spark and long-term identity, Sanusi represents both a reminder and a promise: the club’s future won’t just be bought, it will be built.
If Elanga can rediscover his cutting edge and Sanusi fulfills his potential, Newcastle’s misfiring attack today could soon be their greatest strength tomorrow.