Former Newcastle academy midfielder came back to haunt his boyhood club with a crucial goal that may have secured Nottingham Forest’s Premier League survival
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe has admitted that selling Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest remains one of the most painful decisions of his managerial career after the midfielder scored against Newcastle United in a deeply emotional encounter at the City Ground.
Anderson struck Forest’s equaliser in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against his former club, producing a goal that carried significance both personally and potentially financially for his current side.
The result moved Nottingham Forest closer to Premier League survival and could ultimately prove decisive in the relegation battle.
For Newcastle, however, Anderson’s performance served as another reminder of a transfer the club never truly wanted to make.
The midfielder joined Forest in the summer of 2024 in a deal worth around £35 million as Newcastle scrambled to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules. Speaking after Sunday’s draw, Howe openly acknowledged how difficult that decision had been.
“It was something we regretted when we were doing it,” Howe said.
“We knew that would be a very, very painful transfer; one that we had to do. We had no choice, but it was probably the most reluctant transfer I’ll ever do, because we knew the quality of the player.
Suggested Articles
“We’d seen him close up for a number of years training with us. He was beginning to break into the team and he was being for me, at the back end of that season, really effective in a number of different positions. It really hurts to see him do that against us.”
Elliot Anderson proving Newcastle’s fears correct
Anderson’s rise at Nottingham Forest has only reinforced Newcastle’s belief that they lost one of England’s most promising young midfielders.
The 22-year-old has developed into a key player at the City Ground, impressing with his versatility, intensity and composure in possession throughout the 2025/26 campaign.
His performances have reportedly attracted interest from several clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, raising speculation that Forest may soon face major offers.
Having grown up supporting the Magpies and progressing through the club’s academy system, Anderson had long been viewed internally as part of Newcastle’s future.
Howe made clear there are no hard feelings towards the player himself and backed Anderson to continue rising at the highest level.
“He’s going to go and have a fantastic career, wherever he goes, wherever his career takes him,” Howe added.
“He’s a great lad as well, so it’s painful for us to take but he’s an outstanding player.”
