Affordable Anthony Elanga super popular among Dream Team managers ahead of Gameweek 1 — so what's the catch?

The Sun

6 days ago

THIS summer has not gone to plan for Newcastle.
If the rumour mill is to be believed, the Magpies have struggled to convince their top targets to commit to St James' Park at a time when star striker Alexander Isak (£6.5m) is seeking a move away.
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However, it shouldn't be forgotten that Newcastle acquired the services of Anthony Elanga (£4m) back in July and the 23-year-old is the subject of our latest SCOUT REPORT as the new Dream Team season draws near.
The Sweden international is among the most popular players in the game ahead of Gameweek 1.
His current ownership of 15.7% puts fifth among midfielders and then names above him are the heaviest of hitters: Cole Palmer (£6m), Florian Wirtz (£6m), Bukayo Saka (£6.5m) and Bruno Fernandes (£6m).
Clearly, Dream Team managers are backing Elanga to succeed.
He was a key contributor to Nottingham Forest's remarkable 2024/25 campaign and finished as the club's top assist-provider with 12 in all competitions.
His tally of six goals was perhaps a tad underwhelming but it was obvious that he was primarily tasked with feeding Chris Wood (£4m), who enjoyed a clinical campaign in front of goal.
Nuno Espirito Santo has made no secret of the fact that he sets up his side to keep a clean sheet.
It's perfectly reasonable for Dream Team bosses to expect an upturn in attacking returns for Elanga in Eddie Howe's more attacking set-up.
In particular, the Magpies often subject their opponents to heavy, sustained pressure on home soil.
Another reason to expect more points from Elanga this coming season is the fact he will have additional European commitments to bolster his schedule.
Newcastle will have at least eight Champions League fixtures having qualified for the league phase by finishing fifth in the Premier League.
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No doubt Elanga's price tag is a factor in his popularity too.
Of all the midfielders who earned 200+ points in 2024/25, only Alex Iwobi (£3.5m) is cheaper than Newcastle's new winger prior to Gameweek 1 of 2025/26.
So what's the catch?
Isak's uncertain future is a potential spanner in the works.
The 25 year-old forward is said to be pursuing his options and should a move away from St James' Park materialise, Elanga will lose the team-mate he was probably lining up as his chief collaborator.
If Isak does depart, Newcastle will surely buy a replacement who may thrive but the truth is there aren't many better strikers in world football than their current No14.
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Secondly, Elanga is predominantly a right winger and while he is expected to get plenty of minutes, it's worth remembering that Jacob Murphy (£4.5m) produced arguably his best ever campaign from the same position last season.
The long-serving 30-year-old notched nine goals and 15 assists in 2024/25; a return that surely demands his fair share of playing time once the new season gets underway.
Elanga has played from the left in the past but Harvey Barnes (£4m) and Anthony Gordon (£4.5m) have their own friendly rivalry in that role.
Lastly, Newcastle's opening fixtures aren't all that inviting.
Howe's troops are due to face Aston Villa, Liverpool and Arsenal within their first six league games.
More cautious gaffers may decide to wait and see how Elanga gets on across the first few Gameweeks before making a decision on his viability when Newcastle's fixtures turn more favourable in the autumn.