Newcastle United’s transformation under Eddie Howe and the PIF ownership has been remarkable.
From a struggling Premier League side to a Champions League regular and Carabao Cup winner, the club’s rise has been built on strong recruitment, tactical intelligence, and a deep sense of unity.
Howe’s ability to create a culture of togetherness has been one of his biggest strengths, ensuring every player understands the value of the black-and-white shirt.
That’s why the sale of Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest in 2024 for £35 million felt like such a painful moment. Losing a homegrown player with potential as rich as Anderson’s is always difficult for a club with Newcastle’s DNA.
Anderson embodied the spirit of the Magpies hardworking, creative, and passionate. But financial constraints forced the club’s hand, and the midfielder’s move to Forest was seen as a necessary but regrettable decision.
Despite the transfer, Howe has made it clear he would welcome Anderson back one day. His admiration for the player never faded, and Anderson’s consistent performances in the Premier League for Nottingham Forest have only reinforced the idea that his journey with Newcastle might not be over.
The midfielder’s numbers tell the story of his development from a promising academy graduate to one of Forest’s most complete performers.
Below is a comparison of Anderson’s Premier League statistics across two seasons, showing his evolution into a well-rounded and reliable midfielder:
| Anderson – PL record for Forest | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats (*per game) | 24/25 | 25/26 |
| Matches (starts) | 37 (33) | 7 (7) |
| Goals | 2 | 0 |
| Assists | 6 | 1 |
| Touches* | 54.2 | 103.3 |
| Pass completion | 82% | 89% |
| Key passes* | 1.0 | 1.1 |
| Dribbles* | 1.0 | 1.3 |
| Ball recoveries* | 5.6 | 7.9 |
| Tackles + interceptions* | 2.5 | 3.7 |
| Duels (won)* | 6.5 (52%) | 7.9 (57%) |
| Data via Sofascore | ||
Anderson’s progress speaks for itself, but Newcastle may have already secured a player with even greater potential 18-year-old Seung-soo Park.
The young South Korean talent joined from K League 2 side Suwon Bluewings this summer for an undisclosed fee. Despite his age, Park has already drawn attention for his fearless style of play and attacking flair.
At Suwon, he contributed one goal and three assists in 27 appearances, and while those numbers may seem modest, they only tell part of the story.
His pace, balance, and dribbling ability made him one of the most exciting young players in Asian football.
Since his arrival at Tyneside, Park has impressed both coaches and teammates with his attitude and hunger to learn. He’s primarily played on the left wing, where his directness and creativity have stood out.
Thailand’s Brazilian coach Emerson Pereira described him as “dangerous on the ball,” highlighting his ability to glide past defenders and create openings.
His quick feet and explosive acceleration allow him to unsettle defenders in one-on-one situations, and his composure in tight spaces is beyond his years.
Football expert John Duerden has even gone as far as to compare Park to Kylian Mbappé, noting similarities in their speed, confidence, and attacking instincts.
While comparisons of that magnitude might seem bold, there’s no denying Park’s raw potential. If he continues developing at his current rate particularly refining his finishing and decision-making he could grow into one of Newcastle’s brightest stars in the coming years.
Although Park has only featured six times for Newcastle’s development side, he has already been named on the bench for the Premier League opener against Aston Villa, showing the coaching staff’s faith in his ability.
Like Anderson before him, Park’s journey is likely to involve patience and gradual integration into the first team.
But what sets him apart is his explosive athleticism and flair qualities that Newcastle haven’t seen in a young winger for some time.
Elliot Anderson was 19 when he went on loan to Bristol Rovers in League Two, using that experience to mature both physically and mentally.
Park, at 18, is already training alongside Premier League stars and gaining exposure to elite competition.
His technical ability, combined with Howe’s nurturing management, could accelerate his rise far faster than expected.
The club is determined not to repeat the mistake made with Anderson. Howe and the board see Park as a long-term project and a future first-team regular.
The focus is on providing him with the right environment to grow something Newcastle are now perfectly positioned to offer, with world-class facilities and a manager known for developing young talent.
If Park fulfills his potential, Newcastle might not just have found their next academy success story they may have unearthed one of Asia’s next great footballing stars.
He represents everything the modern Newcastle United stands for: ambition, smart recruitment, and belief in youth.
In time, Seung-soo Park could prove to be a signing even bigger than Elliot Anderson the one that got away. With his dazzling pace, technical skill, and fearless mindset, he could be the player that lights up St James’ Park for years to come.
