‘Inflated value’ – Jamie O’Hara on Newcastle United’s £55 million transfer breakthrough

Newcastle United is expected to announce Anthony Elanga as their first summer signing.

Former Premier League midfielder Jamie O’Hara believes Newcastle United overpaid for Anthony Elanga, but credits Eddie Howe’s coaching for justifying the money.

An announcement is imminent, as Toon fans eagerly await confirmation of the agreement. NewcastleWorld understands that a physical has been completed, and Elanga will be the club’s first summer signing.

The Magpies are close to signing their first right-winger since the Saudi-backed takeover in October 2021. Yankuba Minteh joined in 2023 as a youth player and has never worn a black and white shirt.

Anthony Elanga might rise to £60 million.

Elanga will face Jacob Murphy, who had a strong comeback last season, for a first-team berth. The 23-year-old will also become Newcastle’s second-most expensive player ever, trailing only Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak.

It is understood that the £55 million price might increase to £60 million if certain conditions are met. The Magpies took advantage of Nottingham Forest’s precarious PSR situation, precisely as Howe predicted earlier this year.

Jamie O’Hara discusses Anthony Elanga.
Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder O’Hara believes Howe will grow into a top Premier League wideman. While the sum is high, he mentioned that the same concerns arose when Newcastle signed Anthony Gordon.

“Anthony Elanga had a great season at Nottingham Forest, but Newcastle United is a step up,” he stated. “Have Forest reached their maximum potential league position? I would say so.

“You may argue that £55 million is an exaggerated figure, but Anthony Gordon cost £40 million and is currently starting for England. Fans were outraged at the time, believing Newcastle had overpaid for Gordon, but those concerns have since vanished.

“Eddie Howe is building to his portfolio of better players, and Elanga could be the next in line. Howe apparently believes he can improve Elanga’s game, so he’s certainly worth £55 million, especially given his youth and the length of his career.

Chelsea Receive Surprise Transfer Boost from Newcastle as Major Deal Shakes Up Market

Chelsea’s summer transfer activity has taken an unexpected twist following a strategic favour from Newcastle United. With Stamford Bridge already buzzing from several incomings and outgoings, the Blues have now been given a timely advantage by the Magpies. A blockbuster deal has been agreed that reshapes more than one club’s transfer strategy—and Chelsea could emerge as one of the key beneficiaries.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca could be prepared to sell Noni Madueke if the Blues get over £50million (Image: GETTY)

The ripple effect of Newcastle’s high-profile agreement is already being felt across the Premier League. By sanctioning a move involving a major player, Newcastle have not only balanced their books but indirectly cleared a pathway for Chelsea to push forward with one of their own transfer ambitions. Timing has proven crucial, and Stamford Bridge insiders believe this unexpected assist from Tyneside could help unlock a stalled pursuit.

The deal in question saw Newcastle reach terms with another club for a marquee player who had been on Chelsea’s radar earlier in the window. With the Magpies stepping aside from further negotiations around the same position, Chelsea now face significantly less competition. The market for that role has thinned, and the Blues now have breathing room to structure their ideal bid.

Sources close to Chelsea’s recruitment team have quietly acknowledged that Newcastle’s decision has reduced pressure in a highly contested area of the market. What had been a congested chase involving several top English sides now feels like a clearer run. Chelsea’s negotiators, always strategic in timing, are now preparing to reopen discussions with a player who had previously been hesitant due to the number of interested clubs.

Meanwhile, Newcastle’s decision to pursue and complete their own big-money move was born out of necessity. The club needed to address a particular squad deficiency ahead of their European campaign and acted decisively. In doing so, they inadvertently lightened the market for other top sides, including Chelsea. It’s a rare situation where two competitors may both walk away satisfied.

This shift could not have come at a better time for Chelsea. The Blues have been carefully managing their spending this summer, choosing to focus on youth and long-term value rather than short-term splashes. But they have also remained in the market for a game-changing addition in one or two key positions. With Newcastle now out of the frame for one of those positions, Chelsea have found themselves in a far stronger position to negotiate.

The favour wasn’t intentional—clubs rarely plan to help their rivals—but in the unpredictable theatre of the transfer window, these moments of indirect assistance can be golden. The Chelsea board, led by their sporting directors and senior scouts, are now prioritising how to capitalise on this new opportunity without drawing too much attention.

Reports suggest Chelsea’s priority target is now more open to joining, encouraged by the idea of regular football and less direct competition for starting spots. The player’s camp has re-engaged with Chelsea representatives, and talks have resumed with a more positive tone. There is still work to be done, but the mood at Cobham is one of quiet confidence.

As the deal involving Newcastle becomes official, Chelsea have subtly repositioned themselves in the race for one of Europe’s most exciting young talents. With fewer hurdles and an accelerated timeline, the possibility of a late-summer swoop has grown significantly. The club is expected to firm up its interest within days.

The dynamics of the transfer market can shift dramatically from one day to the next. What was once a logjam is now an open lane, and Chelsea have the chance to take full advantage. They remain cautious, however, aware that other clubs may re-enter the fray. Speed and discretion will be key in the coming days.

Beyond this, Chelsea are also monitoring how the dominoes from the Newcastle deal affect valuations elsewhere. When a top club spends big, agents and selling clubs adjust their expectations. Chelsea’s financial team is working hard to ensure that they don’t overpay or walk into inflated deals caused by a sudden burst of activity.

This summer has been a transitional one for the Blues. The focus has shifted from glamour signings to sustainable growth. The squad is younger, more athletic, and increasingly built around a core of high-potential stars. The indirect help from Newcastle comes as Chelsea look to fine-tune rather than rebuild.

In training, the atmosphere remains high. The coaching staff are encouraged by the physical condition and attitude of the current squad. However, they know that another key arrival could elevate performance levels further and inject a competitive edge ahead of a demanding season.

Chelsea fans have been patiently waiting for another statement signing, and this twist in the market could provide just that. While many expected Chelsea to remain quiet after early-window business, this shift may prompt a late, targeted move with real impact.

Club legends and pundits alike have been vocal about the need for reinforcement in one particular area. With the path now clearer, Chelsea’s recruitment team are under pressure to deliver. They have the backing, the data, and now—thanks to Newcastle—the market conditions to make it happen.

This scenario underscores the unpredictable nature of Premier League dealings. One club’s move affects many others, and opportunistic executives must always be ready to pounce. Chelsea have shown time and again that they are among the most adaptable operators in the transfer world.

As Newcastle officially unveil their new signing, Chelsea will likely continue to work behind the scenes. The stage is now set for a calculated push, one that could see the Blues benefit from Tyneside’s big play without ever having lifted a finger.

For Chelsea, this favour could be the turning point in a transfer window that had appeared steady but unspectacular. With rivals distracted or satisfied, the door has creaked open—and Stamford Bridge may yet roar with the arrival of one more star.

All eyes now turn to what Chelsea will do next. The pressure is on, the pieces are in place, and thanks to Newcastle’s boldness, the Blues have the perfect opportunity to strike at exactly the right moment.