Eddie Howe has admitted he would “love” to bring Elliot Anderson back to Newcastle United after the midfielder’s impressive rise at Nottingham Forest. The England international returns to St James’ Park this weekend, almost one and a half year after leaving his boyhood club in a £35 million ($47m) deal forced by the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
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Why Newcastle had to sell Anderson in 2024…
Newcastle were compelled to sell Anderson in June last year to avoid a potential points deduction under the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations. Despite being valued far higher, the Magpies accepted a cut-price deal as part of a swap arrangement involving goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos. The 22-year-old has since flourished at Nottingham Forest, becoming a key player and earning senior England recognition.
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Howe would 'love' to re-sign Anderson
Speaking ahead of Anderson’s return to Tyneside, Howe was full of admiration for his former player. “I don’t know (if the move will happen), but certainly from my perspective I would love him to,” he said. “It is very regretful a player from the academy who had given so much — and the club had given so much to — for him not to be utilised here is a real shame. We had no choice but to make the sale, but it was not one we wanted to do. It didn’t sit right with me then and doesn’t sit right with me today.”
Howe also described Anderson as a very versatile player: "It is very difficult to define one position for him," he said. "There are not many players I can say that about. He has got unique strengths. He is very good deeper, but I can definitely see him playing higher up as an 8 or a 10, because he is very good in central areas. But he's also good wide, like he was for us at wide left. He's a very talented technical player and can do anything he wants with the ball. Those players are very precious."
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Howe opens up on Anderson's sale to Nottingham
Howe reflected on the difficult decision, explaining the context behind Anderson's sale. “We knew the minute it was going to happen, or likely to happen, that we were massively selling him at a big discount,” he said. “It was that or a points deduction. We had no choice but to make the sale.”
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Anderson set to face emotional St. James' Park return
Anderson has adapted brilliantly at Forest, often featuring in a deeper role but also showcasing his creativity further forward. The midfielder has also received a call-up to the England national team from Thomas Tuchel. The return to St. James' Park will no doubt be an emotional moment for the 22-year-old; however, three points and potentially, Ange Postecoglou's future could be on the line.
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