Newcastle United were forced to sell Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest last summer.
It was a move that nobody within the club ever expected to make, let alone one they were willing to do. Newcastle United had big plans for Elliot Anderson who had shown signs of the player he is today under Eddie Howe, but his 2023/24 campaign was one which was hampered by injury trouble.
Eddie Howe was reluctant to sell Anderson but ultimately understood it was something he had to do so Newcastle avoided a points deduction for the 2024/25 season. As well as Anderson, Yankuba Minteh left Newcastle for Brighton in a move that has come back to haunt them massively.
The move affected many within the club, including the 22-year-old himself. Anderson admitted he didn’t want to leave Newcastle but agreed to go for the good of the club. The move has turned out brilliantly for them and it looks like Anderson could be playing Champions League football next season thanks to Nottingham Forest’s brilliant performances this season.
On Saturday, they once again showed just how good they are by beating defending Premier League champions Manchester City at the City Ground.
Post-match, Man City boss Pep Guardiola was full of praise for the former Newcastle man.
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Pep Guardiola’s high praise for Elliot Anderson after Newcastle exit
Anderson returned to St James’ Park for the first time since leaving the club in February. Some may have expected a frosty reception but Newcastle fans applauded Anderson at any opportunity they could and cheered him off when he was substituted.
After the game, Anderson thanked Newcastle fans for the warm reception on social media. In his post-match press conference, Guardiola was asked about Nottingham Forest and their performance against his side.
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“They defend really well, are compact and aggressive. The players up front create many things. Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Elanga are exceptional players.
“Ola Aina is an exceptional player. He can play on both sides. Elliott Anderson is physical and a top player as well.”
Newcastle fans will also be interested to hear the high praise Guardiola had for Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga. The pair have been linked with a move to Tyneside this season with the Magpies looking to add to their attacking lineup in the summer.
Sporting director Paul Mitchell made a deadline day bid for Elanga last summer, but the offer was quickly knocked back.
Newcastle will always regret selling Elliot Anderson
Fans understand it was something Newcastle had to do to avoid a points deduction but they will never find it easy to see him wearing another shirt.
His Newcastle career was cut short by no means of his own. Anderson was happy at Newcastle and was likely to receive much more game time this season given how much the squad depth has depleted.
Elliot Anderson Premier League Statistics 2024/25
Appearances 27
Goals 1
Assists 5
The midfielder’s fine form has been noticed by other clubs in the Premier League, with reports suggesting that Liverpool are interested in Anderson who is bound to cost significantly more than the £35m Newcastle sold him for last summer.
To make matters worse, Newcastle do not have a buyback clause for Anderson, so if they wanted to bring him back to St James’ Park they would most likely need to empty their pockets.