Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer says he is “delighted” by the strides that Elliot Anderson has made since leaving St James’ Park last year.
The Magpies were forced into selling the 23-year-old to Nottingham Forest due to concerns over breaching Financial Fair Play rules but Shearer thinks he would not have progressed so quickly if he had stayed in the North East:
“It was the best thing. Although it was tough for Newcastle and it wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for PSR. But it was the best thing that happened to him, to get out and play. He wasn’t going to get in Newcastle’s midfield. You’ve got to give him credit. He wouldn’t be far away now [from getting in Newcastle’s midfield], I agree with that.”
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“He wouldn’t have been able to do what he has done and is doing at Newcastle. Good for him. I’m delighted for him. He’s gone from being a bit-part player at Newcastle to being one of the main guys at Forest and one of England’s.”
Anderson’s value has soared to above £100m
Newcastle sold the midfielder for £35m in the summer of 2024, and he has gone on to impress for Forest, as well as becoming a permanent fixture in England’s starting lineup.
The Telegraph claim that Anderson won’t be sold in a future transfer window unless a team is willing to pay in excess of £100m. Forest value him in the same ballpark as Arsenal’s Declan Rice.
Could he return to Newcastle?
Eddie Howe‘s team are reportedly interested in re-signing Anderson, but his valuation could well price them out of any transfer.
There is also believed to be fierce competition from other clubs, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea having been mentioned as potential suitors in recent weeks.
Read more about the Newcastle United First Team Squad for 2025/26 here