Newcastle manager Eddie Howe may not get the signing he wants in 2026. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Newcastle have started to consider their transfer activity for 2026 and are expected to address their options in midfield. Sandro Tonali has been linked with a return to Italy in recent weeks, and if he were to leave, a perfect replacement would be Geordie boy Elliot Anderson.
Anderson left Newcastle in the summer of 2024 to join Nottingham Forest, in a PSR-fuelled deal. Since joining the City Ground, the 22-year-old has progressed immensely and is now a regular England international, which will complicate his chances of returning to St James’ Park.
Nottingham Forest not considering Elliot Anderson’s departure
According to Football Insider, Pete O’Rourke has revealed that Nottingham Forest have no plans to sell Anderson anytime soon, given they view him as someone who can help them climb the Premier League ladder over the coming months.
“The problem for clubs interested in Elliot Anderson at the moment is probably that his price has risen significantly and his reputation has really improved since he came into the England fold.
“Nottingham Forest won’t want to think about losing Elliot Anderson. They will be looking to keep him because they will need him if they are to fight for relegation this year. They will need the best players to help them climb the Premier League table and there is no doubt, it is Anderson.”
Anderson would surely be tempted by a return to Newcastle given it is his boyhood club, although he might be just as keen to join someone like Man United, who would also be interested in securing his signature in 2026. It is unlikely either club would be able to secure him for less than £70m, which could put the Magpies at a disadvantage due to their well-documented PSR issues.
