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Newcastle’s new £55m signing Anthony Elanga has insisted that Alexander Isak is “super-focused” in training but the winger sidestepped a series of invitations to predict precisely how much longer his Sweden teammate intends to remain part of Eddie Howe’s squad.
Elanga’s arrival on Tyneside last week coincided with intense speculation that Liverpool were readying a £130m bid for Isak. Although Newcastle have repeatedly reiterated that they are determined to keep their prized centre-forward, and the Anfield board are in advanced negotiations to sign the Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, Isak’s thoughts on the future remain unknown.
“There’s always going to be noise around a player of Alex’s stature,” said Elanga as, relaxing after a morning training session at Newcastle’s camp in Austria, he spoke publicly for the first time since joining from Nottingham Forest. “But he’s always staying super-focused. He’s one of the best attackers in the world but he’s a Newcastle United player right now.”
When, earlier this week, Newcastle made a bid for Ekitike speculation intensified that Isak could be heading for the St James’ Park exit, but the club maintained Howe’s plan was to play the Swede alongside the France Under-21 international. Now the club are exploring, among other options, a potential attempt to recruit Brentford’s Yoane Wissa to alternate between partnering and understudying Isak.
Yet with Tottenham also keen on Wissa and some members of Newcastle’s hierarchy concerned that, at 28, the Democratic Republic of the Congo striker would have limited resale value, any transfer is some way from completion.
Isak is contracted to Newcastle until 2028 and has, so far, indicated no great enthusiasm for an extended deal, which makes it seem likely he will seek a move next summer at the latest.
“Whenever I speak to Alex it’s always about good things,” said Elanga, diplomatically. “About how my family is and how his family is. I always try and focus on the present. But that mentality Alex has shown in training is second to none and I’m looking forward to continuing to train with him.
“For me, he’s the best striker in the world and an amazing person as well that I can always rely on to go for advice. He’s always there to help me. I appreciate him a lot.
“Alex being here is amazing, so, of course, he played a part in me joining Newcastle but so did having Sandro [Tonali], Bruno [Guimarães], Joelinton and Anthony Gordon. They all played a huge part in me coming here. They have that winning mentality.”
Elanga believes “anything is possible” as the Carabao Cup holders prepare for a Champions League campaign. “I want to showcase my talent,” the 23-year-old said. “I’m pacey and direct. I can play on either side, I can play as a striker. I can use both feet. I’ve got lots of weapons.
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“I know the gaffer and staff here can take my game to another level. What we want to achieve, how we want to play, it’s perfect. What we’re building here is unique and special. As soon as I knew about Newcastle’s interest it was a no brainer.”
Howe has long been impressed by a player who worked on his left foot during lockdown to become two-footed. “I’ve got a saying where I’m precise, not rushed,” said the former Manchester United winger. “It’s a French saying, precis pas précipité, something I go by a lot. In my life, I’ve never rushed anything. The staff and players here, they all share similar mentalities.”
Elanga believes this collective mindset will result in silverware next spring. “With the players and staff here and the addition of Martin Mark from Midtjylland as set-piece coach, we’re really on the right track. I can really sense that feeling of we really want to grab something and win something. Anything’s possible.”
