When Elliot Anderson left Newcastle United for Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2024, the move barely caused a ripple outside the East Midlands.
A £35 million deal between two Premier League sides at opposite ends of the table, it was seen as sensible rather than eye-catching business: Forest adding a technically sound English midfielder, and Newcastle easing financial pressure. Fast forward less than two years, and that view has completely changed.
Since arriving at the City Ground, Anderson’s progress has been extraordinary. Once labelled a talented but raw prospect, he has developed into one of the league’s most dependable and well-rounded central midfielders.
His consistency, game intelligence and growing impact in key moments have driven Forest forward and pushed him into discussions usually dominated by the Premier League’s top midfield names.
With the transfer rumour mill spinning again, Anderson is now at the heart of a very different story from the one that followed his Newcastle exit.
Forest are reportedly prepared to demand between £80 million and £100 million for the England international this summer — a huge leap that reflects both his rapid rise and the soaring market value of elite midfielders.
His departure from Newcastle was never about a lack of faith. Anderson was seen as one of the club’s standout academy products, admired for his technical quality, stamina and footballing brain.
But Newcastle’s swift transformation after their Saudi-backed takeover changed the landscape, with intense competition for places and Financial Fair Play forcing tough calls.
Forest, meanwhile, were searching for a midfielder capable of dictating games while coping with the Premier League’s physical and tactical demands.
Their £35 million outlay was a clear signal — Anderson was signed to be a cornerstone of the project, not a squad option.
He repaid that belief immediately. Anderson settled in quickly, fitted seamlessly into Forest’s system and took on responsibility with confidence.
While many players need time to adjust to a new club, he looked comfortable from the start, operating in midfield with a composure and maturity that belied his age.
