Newcastle United winger Anthony Elanga surprised the club by returning to pre-season training at the KNOX training centre on Friday, just 17 days after Sweden's World Cup exit to France in the last 32. The early return came four days ahead of the schedule set by head coach Eddie Howe, who had previously told Chronicle Live that any Newcastle player involved in the World Cup would be given three weeks off. Based on that timeline, Elanga would have been expected back on Tuesday, July 21, but his arrival on Friday signals a determination to make an impact in his second season at the club.
£55m Signing Struggles in First Season
Elanga joined Newcastle from Nottingham Forest last summer for £55 million, with high expectations after recording six goals and 12 assists for the Reds in the previous campaign. However, his first season at St James' Park fell short of those standards, as he managed just three goals and two assists in 49 appearances, with none of his goals coming in the Premier League. Despite flashes of brilliance, such as his performances against Barcelona in the Champions League, Eddie Howe acknowledged that Elanga needed time to adapt to the 'Newcastle way'.
Howe's Patience and World Cup Encouragement
Howe has consistently expressed confidence in Elanga, stating in press conferences last season that the winger would eventually come good. However, patience is wearing thin, and there is a recognition that Elanga must hit the ground running this season to justify his hefty price tag. His World Cup performances for Sweden, where he scored against both the Netherlands and Japan, have offered encouragement that he is ready to do so. Newcastle will hope he can build on that form during pre-season.
Newcastle's pre-season campaign includes a behind-closed-doors friendly against Darlington later today, followed by matches against Gateshead, Bristol City, Valencia, Everton, Bayer Leverkusen, and Strasbourg. Elanga's early return suggests he is eager to prove himself and right the wrongs of his debut season at the club.
