Newcastle United made some key changes to their attack in the summer and it was hardly a surprise given the sequence of events that played out.
They had money to spend, with Alexander Isak’s departure putting plenty of cash into the transfer kitty. Two new strikers, Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, have made a positive start to life up North.
The same cannot necessarily be said for Anthony Elanga. He joined from Nottingham Forest, but has only managed two assists so far this season. He was brought in as direct competition for Jacob Murphy, and the English winger has also struggled more this term than last. He’s only scored and assisted five times.
Newcastle targeting new winger
Newcastle’s work on strengthening in attack is clearly not complete yet. Eddie Howe’s side are also linked with a new number nine this winter, and could make a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers star Jorgen Strand Larsen, who they were chasing in the summer.
However, they are also lining up new signings elsewhere in attack. Over on the flanks, the Magpies are showing interest in another Old Gold star.
According to a recent report from the Mail, the North Eastern side are ‘thought to be among’ the clubs interested in signing talented teenage star Mateus Mane.
The 18-year-old has been a shining light in a dire season at Molineux, and it has unsurprisingly attracted the interest of Premier League sides, including Newcastle.
A price is not clear at this stage, but Rob Edwards’ side ‘consider Mane off limits’ for now.
Why Mane would be a good signing for Newcastle
Despite picking up some points in recent games, including their first win of the season against West Ham United at the start of 2026, it has very much been a season to forget for Wolves. However, Mane has been a bright spark in recent weeks.
He’s now played ten times in the Premier League this season, operating as a number 10 or even up front, though he has played lots of his youth career as a right-winger. In that time, the Portugal-born star has managed two goals and one assist.
His three goal involvements for Wolves have come at a good rate, averaging one every 149 minutes. His most recent strike came in midweek against Everton, where he took the ball in his stride with a brilliant first touch, drove forward and slotted home.It is easy to see why his former manager, Vitor Pereira, called him a “special” talent. In his last two games, both of which he has scored in, the teenager has created one chance, attempted four dribbles and won a combined ten duels. He has talent across different facets of the game.If the Magpies were to get this deal over the line, it could certainly spell bad news for Elanga and Murphy. Of course, the two existing right-wingers offer different things, with the Swede being one of the Premier League’s quickest players, and the Magpies number 23 a brilliant crosser of the ball.Yet their numbers are lacking this term. Whilst Mane is making such a difference in a small amount of time, Elanga is averaging a goal involvement every 679 minutes and Murphy every 338 minutes.
Bringing in the Wolves teenager, who can operate on the right flank, or, if Howe so pleases, as a number 10, offers great flexibility and an extra option to the squad. However, the fearlessness with which he picks the ball up and drives at a defender is not really on show for the Magpies on the right wing this term.A fee is not yet clear, but Mane seems like a smart investment for the present and future of Newcastle. He would offer something different to Elanga and Murphy, and could even displace them in the team.