Newcastle United find themselves in a difficult moment, sitting far lower in the Premier League table than expected after the opening stretch of the season. The team has struggled to find rhythm, energy, and fresh ideas, leaving Eddie Howe looking within his squad and across the academy for answers.
One name that continues to hover over Newcastle’s plans is Elliot Anderson, the homegrown talent they reluctantly sold but now desperately wish they still had. His rise since leaving St James’ Park has only magnified the sense that something special slipped through Newcastle’s fingers.
Anderson was let go in 2024 for financial reasons as the club tried to stay on the right side of PSR regulations. Nottingham Forest jumped at the chance to sign him, and the move has proven to be one of the smartest pieces of business they have done in years.
Anderson has turned into a complete midfielder, one capable of influencing games at every level. Newcastle would love to bring him back, but they are not the only ones watching closely.
Manchester United are ready to join the chase, and Forest’s asking price, believed to be north of £100 million, shows just how much they value him now.
The numbers tell the story of a player evolving rapidly. His involvement at Forest has grown dramatically, and his influence on the ball has become undeniable.
Elliot Anderson – Premier League Record for Nottingham Forest
| Stats (per game) | 24/25 Season | 25/26 Season |
|---|---|---|
| Matches (starts) | 37 (33) | 11 (11) |
| Goals | 2 | 1 |
| Assists | 6 | 1 |
| Touches | 54.2 | 94.4 |
| Accurate passes | 28.7 (82%) | 62.1 (87%) |
| Chances created | 1.0 | 1.4 |
| Dribbles | 1.0 | 1.3 |
| Ball recoveries | 5.6 | 8.4 |
| Tackles + interceptions | 2.5 | 3.5 |
| Duels won | 6.5 (52%) | 7.5 (55%) |
These numbers show a footballer maturing into a complete midfielder. The increase in touches, pass accuracy, and defensive actions prove that Anderson has become one of Forest’s most important players.
There is growing belief in England that he could be the perfect partner for Declan Rice at the 2026 World Cup. His ability to carry the ball, create chances, and recover possession makes him a rare midfield profile, and that quality is what makes him so appealing to the biggest clubs in the league.
But while Anderson’s story is a reminder of what Newcastle lost, there is also a growing belief behind the scenes that something even more exciting may already be within their hands.
The club’s owners have invested heavily in the academy, building a system designed to produce world-class footballers instead of relying only on expensive transfers.
One of the most talked-about arrivals in that new wave is Vakhtang Salia, a young forward whose name is already generating excitement across Europe.
Salia’s arrival was a major win for Newcastle. Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich all attempted to sign the Dinamo Tbilisi star, but Newcastle convinced him that their long-term plan offered him the clearest path to Premier League football.
At just 18 years old, he already has senior experience, producing eight goals and four assists across 57 matches. His versatility makes him even more valuable.
He is comfortable on either side of the attack or through the middle, and his ability to glide past defenders with strength and balance resembles the traits that made Lamine Yamal explode onto the world stage.
Even though Salia has not featured yet for Newcastle after picking up an early injury, there is huge confidence in what he can become. Journalist Graeme Bailey has gone as far as to call him “one of the best teenage prospects in the world,” a label that speaks to the scale of his potential.
What stands out most is his physical presence on the ball. For someone so young, he carries a level of composure and power that suggests he is already preparing for the intensity of Premier League football.
Newcastle believe that once he recovers and adapts fully to life in England, he could grow into one of the most dangerous young forwards in Europe.
The frustration around his early injury is understandable, but these moments shape young players. Anderson had his own obstacles at Newcastle before becoming a star, and Salia’s challenge could be part of the journey that strengthens him mentally and physically.
Newcastle see him as a future first-team regular, someone who could become even bigger than Anderson if he receives the right support, patience, and development.
Newcastle may not be in the position they expected in the league, but the club’s long-term vision remains strong. Anderson’s rise serves as inspiration, while Salia represents the hope of something even greater. If Newcastle nurture their new teenage star the right way, the future may hold a talent who surpasses what even Anderson has become.
