Newcastle United's summer has been a whirlwind of activity.
The Magpies made headlines with the British-record sale of Alexander Isak to Liverpool, a move that reshaped their attacking plans.
While the summer window largely focused on the Swedish international’s acrimonious exit, manager Eddie Howe has successfully strengthened in all areas of the pitch.
Strikers Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa arrived from Stuttgart and Brentford to fill the hole left in attack, and Jacob Ramsey, Malick Thiaw, Aaron Ramsdale, and Anthony Elanga all arrived to provide competition in other areas.
Newcastle were able to prise Ramsey away from Aston Villa in a very similar way to which Elliott Anderson left the club last summer.
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Elliot Anderson celebrates after scoring against Tottenham Hotspur.
In a bid to balance the books, Anderson was allowed to join Nottingham Forest - a move that paid off, as he earned his first England Men’s senior call-up this week, before shining on debut in the World Cup qualifier against Andorra.
These moves underscore a summer of both tactical foresight and financial management, ensuring Newcastle can remain competitive both in Europe and the Premier League.
Why Elliot Anderson was sold
Anderson, a 22-year-old talent from the North-East, had risen through Newcastle’s youth system, establishing himself as a promising attacking midfielder.
Despite his evident potential, he was sold to Forest in 2024 in a £35m deal that saw goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos move the other way for £20m.
vlachodimos (2)
Crucially, the transfer was sanctioned to ensure Newcastle remained Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Regulations (PSR) compliant.
Both player and club reportedly had no desire to part ways, but financial regulations and squad depth necessitated the move.
Similar to Ramsey’s arrival this summer, Anderson’s departure reflected Newcastle's need to carefully manage resources after heavy spending following the club’s takeover.
Elliot Anderson for Newcastle
While Anderson may have remained lower in the pecking order under Howe behind Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton, his career has flourished at Forest.
Last season, he made 37 league appearances, scoring twice and assisting six, catching the eye of the national selectors with a first England call-up after representing Scotland at youth levels.
His on-field output underscores his growing influence. According to FBref, he ranks in the 88th percentile for assists per 90 (0.19), 77th percentile for shot-creating actions per 90 (3.07), 89th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 (1.18), 88th percentile for tackles per 90 (3.07), and 87th percentile for clearances per 90 (2.40).
The move has also proven financially shrewd for the Midlands club. That being said, Newcastle have their own rising England star...
How Tino Livramento's market value compares to Anderson
While Anderson’s departure dominated headlines, Newcastle have enjoyed the quieter rise of a defensive asset who has arguably outshone him in value and influence.
Tino Livramento, who joined from Southampton in 2023 on an initial £32m deal, has cemented himself as a key figure in the Magpies’ backline.
Newcastle's Tino Livramento
Newcastle's Tino Livramento
The 21-year-old Chelsea academy graduate famously contained Mohamed Salah in the Carabao Cup final.
With 66 Premier League appearances for Newcastle under his belt, Livramento has proven both durable and adaptable, earning him a spot, alongside Anderson, in Thomas Tuchel’s squad. The pair both featured in Saturday's 2-0 victory, with Livramento replacing Reece James late on.
Football analyst Jacob Whitehead has described the Newcastle man as “outstanding,” highlighting the right-back’s intelligence on the ball, defensive awareness, and ability to contribute in the attacking phase.
Livramento’s statistical output reinforces this praise.
Tino Livramento - 2024/25
Matches Played
Progressive Carries
Progressive Passes
Tackles
Blocks
Aerials Won
Source: FBref
He ranks in the 88th percentile for pass completion rate at 86.1%, 87th percentile for progressive passes per 90 (5.26), and 83rd percentile for progressive carries per 90 (0.85).
His consistent performances not only provide a reliable defensive option but also support Newcastle’s attacking structure, showing he is more than just a defender.
The comparison between Anderson and Livramento highlights the strategic depth of Newcastle’s squad planning.
While Anderson has thrived at Forest, Livramento has quietly become one of the club’s most valuable assets, offering both immediate returns and long-term potential.
Indeed, Livramento is now deemed to be worth as much as €56m (£49m), according to Football Transfers, ensuring that is even more valuable than his compatriot, who has a market value of €52m (£45m).
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Newcastle's Tino Livramento competes against Arsenal's Ben White.
Newcastle’s decision to allow him to grow within the squad ensures they are building a balanced team, blending youth development, strategic sales, and shrewd acquisitions.
In a summer where striker sagas and headline-grabbing moves often dominate coverage, Livramento’s understated rise is a reminder of the value in consistent, intelligent squad building.
Newcastle have managed to both comply with financial regulations and strengthen the squad, leaving the club well-positioned for the Premier League campaign ahead.