Anthony Elanga Addresses Alexander Isak Transfer Speculation and Shares Newcastle Ambitions
ANTHONY ELANGA has even resorted to singing in an effort to persuade “the world’s best striker” Alexander Isak to remain at Newcastle.
The new £55m Swedish winger for the Toon is confident he can supply the opportunities needed for his fellow countryman to become the club’s all-time leading scorer.
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Elanga, 23, has joined from Nottingham Forest and chose to sing Ben E King’s classic “Stand By Me” as part of his initiation during their pre-season training camp in Austria.
While he mentioned the song’s significance to him and his girlfriend, it could also be seen as a message to his “big brother” Isak, especially after Liverpool’s bid for the £150m-rated star was turned down.
When asked directly if he believed Isak would remain at Newcastle, Elanga replied: “There will always be speculation surrounding him, but ultimately, he is a Newcastle United player right now. My focus is on what he’s doing in training and having daily conversations with him.
“To me, Alex is the best striker in the world and an exceptional person off the pitch. I can always turn to him for advice.”
“He’s always there to guide me and acts as a big brother. I really value our relationship.”
Isak and his team were left underwhelmed last summer when talks about a new deal were delayed.
Manager Eddie Howe insists that last season’s top scorer, who netted 27 goals, is not leaving. The club aims to retain him by potentially offering a deal that breaks the £200,000-a-week mark, making him their highest-paid player.
When asked if he had any hints from Isak about extending his contract beyond its current expiry in 2028, Elanga shared: “When I talk to Alex, we usually chat about positive things—like how our families are doing, and that’s always the first thing he asks me.”
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“I prefer to focus on the present, and Alex is the kind of person who stays focused. His performance in training is unmatched, and I’m excited to continue training with him.”
He went on: “Having him here is fantastic and influenced my decision to come, along with Sandro [Tonali], Bruno [Guimaraes], Joelinton, and Anthony Gordon, whom I know well. Their achievements last season—qualifying for the Champions League and winning a trophy after 70 years—were impressive and a big reason for my move. They have a winning mentality.”
“I want to build partnerships with everyone, even off the pitch. On the pitch, communication, rapport, and team spirit are crucial. I aim to learn from everyone.”
Goal machine Isak holds legendary status on Tyneside after leading the team to Carabao Cup success.
If he remains long-term, Elanga believes there’s nothing stopping him from netting another 145 goals, surpassing Shearer’s record of 206.
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He remarked: “Anything is possible with the right mindset. Alex possesses an unrivaled mentality. I fully understand his immense talent.”
Elanga, who netted six goals and contributed 11 assists for Forest in the previous season, believes he has yet to reach his maximum potential.
The former Manchester United winger added that he thinks he and his new teammates can elevate their performance levels and achieve even more success.
“I aim to contribute goals and assists to the team. Being here will greatly enhance my overall abilities. People have not yet witnessed the best version of me, and I am eager to showcase that.”
“This season promises to be remarkable, not just for the team but also for myself and everyone in the city. We are on course for a fantastic season, and I hope we can demonstrate what we are capable of.”
“We are on the right trajectory, and I can sense a strong desire to achieve something significant this year.”
Curse of Frankfurt means Ekitike is a huge risk at £86.5million
AT £86.5million, Hugo Ekitike would be a sizeable gamble for Liverpool, writes Joe Bryant.
That’s because Premier League clubs should be wary of the Frankfurt curse.
The Germans have a knack of selling strikers at a massive profit, only for them to struggle at their next club.
Luka Jovic (£52m), Sebastien Haller (£42m), Randall Kolo Muani (£77m), and Andre Silva (£20m) definitely fall into the category of transfers where you wished you had kept the receipt.
Omar Marmoush does seem to have broken the hoodoo at Manchester City, although it is still early days at the Etihad.
And Liverpool will need Ekitike to hit the ground running if they want to defend their Prem crown.