When Newcastle United sold Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2024, many fans felt disappointed but understood the logic.
The young midfielder needed consistent playing time and was unlikely to break into a midfield dominated by Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton, and Sandro Tonali.
However, a year later, the move looks more painful for Newcastle supporters, with Anderson’s rise turning him into one of the Premier League’s brightest English talents.
Now a full England international under Thomas Tuchel and a likely candidate for next summer’s World Cup squad, Anderson’s name has once again been linked with a possible return to St James’ Park.
According to Craig Hope of The Mail, Newcastle may quietly be optimistic about bringing their academy graduate back home. The club’s newly appointed Sporting Director, Ross Wilson, who worked with Anderson at Nottingham Forest, could prove crucial in any future move.
Hope hinted that Wilson’s close relationship with the midfielder, coupled with Eddie Howe’s long-standing admiration, makes Anderson a name likely to appear on Newcastle’s target list for the next transfer window or beyond.
He said, “There’s a chance. He has a very good relationship with Wilson from their time together at Nottingham Forest. While no move is currently being made, the mutual respect between Anderson, Howe, and Wilson means he’ll remain on their radar.”
The midfielder’s impressive form has not gone unnoticed elsewhere. Reports suggest Manchester City and Chelsea are monitoring his progress, with a potential £75 million valuation being discussed. Yet, for all the elite interest, the emotional pull of returning to his boyhood club could prove powerful if Newcastle were to make their move.
From Newcastle’s perspective, Wilson’s inside knowledge of Nottingham Forest’s operations and transfer strategy could offer a significant advantage in negotiations.
His familiarity with how the club conducts business may help the Magpies navigate any future talks should an opportunity arise.
For now, Anderson’s focus remains firmly on Forest, where he continues to grow into one of the league’s most complete young midfielders.
But with Newcastle’s admiration for their former academy star stronger than ever, and a leadership team that knows exactly how to reach him, the door to a potential return to Tyneside remains slightly ajar.
For a player who embodies the passion and spirit of Newcastle United, a comeback story like Anderson’s would be nothing short of poetic — one that both the club and fans would welcome with open arms.
