Newcastle United transfers: Elliot Anderson has been questioned on his future at Nottingham Forest amid tranfer exit talk.
Forest benefited from Newcastle’s desperate PSR situation that left them feeling forced to sell an academy graduate in Anderson.
Since then, the midfielder has established himself as a key player in Forest’s side while also breaking into the England senior set-up. He is on course to head to the World Cup with Thomas Tuchel’s side this summer.
But this summer could prove to be an interesting one for Anderson at club level, with several sides credited with an interest in the 23-year-old.
Elliot Anderson asked about transfer speculation
Anderson helped Forest finish seventh and qualify for the Europa League last season but this season has been a struggle as the side currently sit 17th in the table and just two points above the relegation zone. Relegation for Forest would naturally cast Anderson’s future at the club into serious doubt given the well documented interest in him.
But when asked about his future, Anderson wouldn’t get drawn into looking too far ahead.
“I’m just focusing on my football at the moment and performing and trying to give everything for Nottingham Forest, really,” he said ahead of Forest’s Europa League match against Fenerbahce. “So that’s all that’s on my mind.
“It’s been a big two years. I think I’ve done pretty well, to be honest, in the time I’ve been here, on and off the pitch.
“I think I’ve matured as a person as well. Thanks to the club, really, for giving me that platform, going out there and playing and letting me do my stuff.”
While Anderson was understandably reluctant to leave his boyhood club Newcastle, the move proved to be a blessing for the young midfielder as he has been able to reach heights he may have struggled to had he remained on Tyneside. Instead of competing for minutes with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton, Anderson was able to get regular starts at Forest and progress his game.
“Obviously in players’ careers, you never know where you’re going to be,” he said. “Moving from your hometown is a big step in your career.
“And it was definitely something that I needed to do and it has turned out really well. So I was happy I made that step.”
Could Newcastle United make a move for Elliot Anderson
Naturally, Newcastle have been linked with a return for Anderson as they look to bolster their midfield once again.
Head coach Eddie Howe has openly admitted he ‘would love’ to have Anderson back at the club. Manchester City and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in the midfielder.
Newcastle have no clauses in the deal that would give them an advantage over their rivals when it comes to securing a deal for Anderson, who has been valued as high as £100million. The only advantage The Magpies have is sentimental with the player understood to be keen to return to his boyhood club one day provided it is right for his career.
Anderson had continued to show his connection with Newcastle since leaving to join Forest. He was in attendance with the Newcastle supporters at Wembley Stadium as they lifted the Carabao Cup last March.
Newcastle’s sporting director Ross Wilson helped facilitate the move that saw Anderson leave the club and join Forest during his previous role at the City Ground.
Back in 2024, it was clear Wilson knew he’d secured an excellent deal for Forest, albeit a frustrating one for his future employers.
“We are all delighted to welcome Elliot to Nottingham Forest and pleased that he has chosen to continue to develop his talent with us in the Premier League,” Wilson said last summer.
"We are sure he will thrive in a Forest shirt, as other players in his age profile have done. As soon as the opportunity arose for him to potentially join, it was something we were all excited to make happen.”
Since being appointed as sporting director at Newcastle, Wilson has been asked about Anderson once again.
Back in December, Wilson simply smirked and said: “I like him a lot.”
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