‘It’s over’: Fabrizio Romano reveals stunning Newcastle United contract update

Newcastle United and Callum Wilson have failed to reach an agreement on a new deal.

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Newcastle United and Callum Wilson are allegedly set to part ways after failing to agree on a new contract.

The 33-year-old’s contract expired last week, but he was given a new proposal with reduced terms. Given Wilson’s evolving role at St James’ Park, the offer is believed to have been an incentive deal.

Signed as the guaranteed goalscorer Newcastle lacked under Steve Bruce, the England international took home the historic No.9 shirt in his second season. Wilson scored key goals for the Magpies, but his injury history has always raised concerns.

The striker has missed nearly 40% of Newcastle’s Premier League games since joining the club in September 2020. Alexander Isak’s rise to prominence as one of the world’s finest forwards has also lowered Wilson’s status.

Fabrizio Romano confirms leaving.
Wilson, a loyal lieutenant of Eddie Howe, was expected to stay on Tyneside, but he is reportedly planning to leave. According to Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano, Wilson, who scored 49 goals in black and white stripes, has confirmed his choice.

“Understand it’s over between Callum Wilson and Newcastle, decision made with formal confirmation to follow,” he posted to his Facebook page. “Wilson will soon say goodbye to NUFC staff, fans and teammates as he’s not staying at the club with contract now expired.”

‘I am comfortable.’ – Callum Wilson
Wilson recently told The Rest Is Football podcast that he is confident about his future with Newcastle. He said, “I’m well now. Fortunately, my financial situation is steady, so this is not an issue. I know I can still provide for my family by putting food on the table for them.

“I know my worth and value, and I’m still so hungry inside that even though I know Alex is scoring goals, I’m still irritated when the squad sheet comes out and I’m not starting, so I know I’m not ready to give up football yet.

“I would love to leave football before it leaves me. I would never let an injury keep me from playing. I believe I’ve been healthy for four and a half months, but I’ve only played 250 or 300 minutes, which is frustrating because you don’t want the last few years of your career to pass you by, especially when you’ve worked so hard to get there.

“It’s all new to me right now, but I’m simply enjoying life, football, and playing with a positive attitude. “What is meant to be, will be.”

Eddie Howe discusses Callum. Wilson
When questioned by the media following the final-day defeat to Everton, Howe did not confirm or deny Wilson’s departure. When asked about the striker’s apparent post-match goodbye, the Toon boss replied, “Let’s wait and see. We’ll get down and discuss with his agents.

“What I can say is that Callum Wilson is and has been a fantastic footballer for Newcastle. He embodies the spirit that has led us to where we are.

“He’s professional and brave; to come here and be the number nine in the way he did was a difficult time in the club’s history. The club needed hope, and Callum provided it. He handled the strain and responsibility that comes with his role admirably.

“He provides a positive energy to the group, he’s a leader in the changing room, and he’s just been amazing. Let’s see what happens, but it’s fantastic to see him have that connection with his fans. There’s still a lot of respect between the two.”

Newcastle transfer news: Anthony Elanga completes £55 million move to Champions League-bound team from Nottingham Forest

Anthony Elanga has joined Newcastle in a move worth up to £55 million from Nottingham Forest. The attacker was a vital player for Nuno Espirito Santo’s Forest last season as they qualified for Europe, scoring six goals and making 11 assists in the Premier League.

Newcastle have finalized the signing of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest for up to £55 million.

Newcastle will pay a set fee of £52 million for the 23-year-old, plus £3 million in performance-based bonuses.

Elanga scored six goals and 11 assists in the Premier League last season, helping Forest secure European football for the coming season.

Newcastle have signed Elanga as their second winger this summer, following the free acquisition of Antonio Cordero from Malaga. Cordero, an 18-year-old Spanish player, will be sent out.

After the deal was completed, Elanga told the club’s official website, “I’m ready to put on this black-and-white top to really fight for this team and give everything for the passionate fanbase that lives and breathes football.”

“I had a fantastic two years at Nottingham Forest, and they really helped me develop into the player I am today, but I’m delighted to be here now. The club won a trophy last season and is creating something unique and exceptional, which I am eager to be a part of.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe stated, “Elanga is an intriguing prospect with characteristics that make him a distinct attacking danger. His speed, intensity, and ability to create and score goals will help us and compliment our style of play.”

Welcome to Newcastle, Anthony! ⚡️

We have completed the signing of winger Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest on a long-term deal. pic.twitter.com/AkLUEPE5Qg

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) July 11, 2025

Manchester United, which Elanga left in 2023, stands to profit between £6 million and £8 million from the Sweden forward’s transfer to the North East.

When he left Forest for Manchester United for £15 million, the club secured a sell-on clause. According to Sky Sports News, they were expected to receive 15-20% of the profit from the sale.

Newcastle wants to conclude a good window.

Sky Sports News’ Keith Downie:

“It was confirmed on Monday that Callum Wilson would be leaving, leaving only Alexander Isak as a recognised No 9, thus Newcastle will want to acquire another in that position.

Newcastle is in contact with Burnley for goalkeeper James Trafford, as previously reported.

“He is the goalkeeper they are looking for, followed by a right-sided defender and a striker to join Isak.”

“If Newcastle can do that, it will be a good window for them.”

Why have Newcastle signed Elanga?

Sky Sports’ Adam Bate:

Anthony Elanga is one of the Premier League’s most explosive players, and there is already talk about how he will become a fan favourite at Newcastle. That speed is the most evident quality of his game, and the statistics back it up.

Micky van de Ven had the fastest time in the Premier League last season, but it doesn’t take much digging to discover that Elanga was the competition’s standout sprinter. He had seven of the Premier League’s top 20 fastest dashes.

For context, no one else in the top 20, including Van de Ven, has reached that speed more than once. Elanga, whose strength is demonstrated by his appearance in all 38 of Nottingham Forest’s Premier League games, brought that pace time and again.

Eddie Howe will look to capitalise on that undeniable menace on the counter-attack, but the 23-year-old former Manchester United winger has demonstrated under Nuno Espirito Santo that there is much more to his game than those exceptional physical traits.

Newcastle feels like the appropriate step up for goal-oriented Elanga.

Sky Sports’ William Bitibiri:

After observing Anthony Elanga’s pre-season preparations for last season, it was evident that ambition was flowing out of him, like the sweat on his brow after being put through his paces by his personal strength and conditioning coach, Tom Joyce.

It was during those workouts that he prepared for his most fruitful season, with 18 goals in 43 appearances across all competitions. Elanga’s final ball brought a new dimension to his game.

Ambitions, while acknowledging they played an important role in his development during and after his time at Manchester United, were kept private, but the drive to improve on the previous year was strong.

In many respects, it was Elanga’s second breakout. The 23-year-old personified Nottingham Forest’s counter-attacking danger, hammering opponents as the club narrowly lost out on Champions League status.

Elanga introduced a new dimension to his game at the City Ground with 11 league assists, adding to nine from the previous season. He’ll be looking to improve this area as he prepares to team up with his Swedish compatriot and key marksman, Alexander Isak, at St James’ Park – and a manager in Eddie Howe who has long been an admirer.

His old club Manchester United may or may not have anticipated the influence Elanga would have, but they may regret allowing the Carrington-born star to leave in 2023. However, Elanga’s choice to leave Old Trafford is unlikely to be regretted as he prepares to play Champions League games at Newcastle.

Newcastle confirm Anthony Elanga signing: How Manchester United will benefit from £55 million transfer

Newcastle United have signed winger Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest on a long-term contract.

The 23-year-old joins St James’ Park for a reported £52 million plus £3 million in add-ons, becoming Newcastle’s second summer signing after teenage winger Antonito Cordero.

“I’m excited, I’m really happy, but most importantly, I’m ready,” Elanga told Newcastle’s official website. “I’m eager to put on this black and white top and fight for this team, giving my best for the devoted fans who love and breathe football.

“I had a fantastic two years at Nottingham Forest, and they really helped me develop into the player I am today, but I’m delighted to be here now. The club won a trophy last season and is creating something unique and exceptional, which I am very interested in being a part of.

“I genuinely want to buy into this club’s culture and DNA. I’m very excited to be here and can’t wait to get started.”

Anthony Elanga. Newcastle United player. 😁 pic.twitter.com/6ywwQUyHvU

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) July 11, 2025

Howe is thrilled to obtain the services of “key target” Elanga

“I’m delighted to welcome Anthony to Newcastle United,” said Magpies head coach Eddie Howe. He has been a significant objective for us, so I’m thrilled to get him at this early stage of preseason.

“He is an exciting talent with characteristics that distinguish him as a distinct offensive danger. His quickness, enthusiasm, and ability to create and score goals will strengthen and compliment our style of play.

“Anthony is hungry to develop even further with us and to achieve success here, and we’re all looking forward to working with him.”

Newcastle have prioritised the signing of a new winger since Miguel Almiron’s departure in January, with Elanga providing depth and competition for Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, and Jacob Murphy.

Elanga, a 22-cap Sweden international, established himself as a key player for Forest in the 2024-25 season, helping the Tricky Trees finish eighth in the Premier League.

Only Mohamed Salah (18) and Newcastle’s Murphy (12) has more Premier League assists than Elanga (11), who also scored six goals in 38 league games for Forest.

Elanga also provided nine assists in the 2023-24 season, bringing his Premier League assist total over the last two seasons to 20, surpassing Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer (both 19), Bruno Fernandes (18), and Kevin De Bruyne (17).

Elanga will join fellow Swedish international Alexander Isak and close friend Will Osula at St James’ Park.

Manchester United will benefit from Elanga’s trade to Newcastle.

Elanga’s move to the Magpies is also expected to help his old club Manchester United, who are reportedly entitled 15% to 20% of any future winger sales profits.

The Red Devils sold Elanga to Forest for roughly £15 million in 2023 and are expected to collect between £6 million and £8 million from his £55 million move to Newcastle, which is a much-needed cash boost for Ruben Amorim, who is operating with a tight budget at Old Trafford this summer.

Romano gives Liverpool Isak HOPE as Newcastle eyes €100 million deal

According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle are interested in signing Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.

The Magpies are looking for a new striker following Callum Wilson’s departure. However, with Alexander Isak, Newcastle already has one of the best in the business in that position.

This implies Eddie Howe and colleagues may struggle to sign another elite forward unless they can promise consistent minutes.

Surprisingly, Fabrizio Romano believes that the St. James’ Park club remains interested in Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. The Frenchman has long been linked with a move to Newcastle, but only as a replacement for Isak, not as a backup or partner.

The two strikers are remarkably similar, so it’s no surprise that Ekitike is on Howe’s radar. Despite Romano’s report, it’s tough to envisage Newcastle signing the 23-year-old without trading the Swede.

Is Newcastle opening the door for an Isak sale?

Frankfurt has set a €100 million price tag on Ekitike, and they have made it clear to anyone who would listen that they will not back down from this figure.

There is speculation that Frankfurt would accept a lower initial deal that may increase to €100 million through add-ons, but any conceivable offer would have to meet that very particular sum one way or another.

© IMAGO – Hugo Ekitike

Given that Newcastle have just sealed a €64 million agreement with Nottingham Forest for Anthony Elanga, it becomes unlikely that they will be able to spend €100 million on Ekitike without a substantial sale.

Chelsea has already backed out of the race to sign Ekitike because to his high cost, and Liverpool will only make a bid if they can raise finances by selling Darwin Nunez. The Reds, of course, are still interested in Isak.

Newcastle are certain that Isak will not leave, but if they believe they can seriously secure a deal for Ekitike, they may be more willing to let go of their star forward, who would undoubtedly fetch a cost in excess of €150 million and give them more market flexibility.

However, selling a top Premier League attacker – and fan favourite – and replacing him with a relatively unknown striker for an eye-watering €100 million would be a significant risk.

‘Next week’: Fabrizio Romano updates on Newcastle United transfer hijack after £21 million deal accepted

AC Milan has accepted a £21 million bid for Newcastle United’s trade target Malick Thiaw.

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Newcastle were connected with the 23-year-old centre-back last summer as Eddie Howe sought to improve his defence.

Since then, the Magpies have failed to sign Marc Guehi and traded Lloyd Kelly to Juventus, making the need for defensive reinforcements even more pressing a year later.

Thiaw has made 85 appearances for AC Milan since joining from Schalke 04 in 2022, scoring once. In September 2023, he played against Newcastle in a 0-0 Champions League draw at the San Siro, but he was unable to play the return leg due to injury.

AC Milan accepts Malick Thiaw’s transfer proposal. 

Thiaw has been widely linked with a move away from Milan this summer, with Serie A club Como having accepted a £21 million deal for the three-time Germany international.

But it was last month, and a deal has yet to be completed, with Thiaw keeping his options open.

Following the ties to Newcastle last summer, the Italian media teased a potential transfer hijack.

Newcastle United transfer hijack?
According to Italian journalist Matteo Morretto, Thiaw is delaying a move to Como in order to compete in a European competition, with Newcastle United mentioned as a possible destination.

AC Milan failed to qualify for Europe after placing ninth in Serie A and runners-up to Bologna in the Coppa Italia. Meanwhile, Cesc Fabregas, a former Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea midfielder, led Como to 10th place, 14 points behind Milan.

Newcastle will play Champions League football again this season, but Eddie Howe has yet to bolster his team this summer.

Moretto told Milan News that as time passes, it becomes more difficult for Thiaw to say yes to Como.

“They tell me that Como is doing everything they can to persuade him, but the German would like to continue playing in a European competition, if feasible.

“There is some admiration from the Premier League. Last year, Newcastle was hunting for Thiaw, and they are still looking for a central defender now.

“So keep an eye on this path, at the moment there is nothing concrete, but I can confirm that Newcastle is also evaluating Thiaw, who, in addition to returning to Germany, would be interested in an experience in the Premier League.”

Eddie Howe comments on Malick Thiaw’s interest.

When asked about Newcastle’s interest in Thiaw last summer, head coach Howe said the defender is ‘a very excellent player’ but did neither confirm or deny it.

“I’m always reluctant to comment on these things [transfer speculation],” Howe remarked when questioned about Thiaw last summer. “He’s a player I know about, of course I do, from our games in the Champions League against Milan and yeah, he’s a very good player, but that’s it.”

Fabrizio Romano delivers an update on Malick Thiaw.

Over the weekend, transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano gave an update on Thiaw’s unclear status.

“Malick Thiaw, expected to make a decision on his future by mid next week with Como waiting for an answer on their proposal,” according to Romano. “The deal between Como and AC Milan for a €25 million [£21 million] package was confirmed two weeks ago. Still up to Malick.”

Despite Thiaw’s clear reluctance to join Como, the final decision will be left to the player, who is available for £21 million. If Newcastle want to make a move, this is a transaction that might be completed swiftly, given the player’s preference to play in the Champions League.

However, Newcastle are currently considering alternative options, with Giorgio Scalvini of Atalanta and Marseille captain Leonardo Balerdi on their radar.