Newcastle United are unlikely to bring back academy product Elliot Anderson this summer as Manchester City have emerged as favourites to sign the midfielder, according to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke.
O’Rourke reported that Newcastle are “down the pecking order” in the race to bring the 23-year-old back to St James’ Park after being forced to sell him to Nottingham Forest in 2024 to comply with profit and sustainability rules (PSR) imposed by the Premier League.
Anderson progressed through Newcastle’s
academy and made 55 senior appearances between 2021 and 2024 before the club confirmed his departure. Since moving to Forest, he has established himself as a regular in midfield and earned England recognition, with the midfielder expected to be on the 2026 World Cup squad.
Forest are expected to demand around £100million if they sell this summer, a figure that presents a significant obstacle for Newcastle, but that “would be accepted” by the club if it ever arrives at their table.
Speaking on Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, O’Rourke outlined Newcastle’s position in the Anderson sweepstakes.
“It’s fair enough to say that Newcastle are down the pecking order in that race to sign Elliot Anderson,” O’Rourke said. “Eddie Howe’s openly admitted he would love the opportunity to bring him back to the club, he didn’t really want to sell him when they sold him to Nottingham Forest in 2024.”
O’Rourke said Anderson’s development has increased competition, with Man City and Chelsea leading the race.
“Anderson has really kicked on since that move. He has really impressed for Forest. He’s going to be in huge demand this summer, there’s no doubt about that,” O’Rourke said. “Manchester City are regarded as the favourites for his signature if he does end up leaving Forest.”
More than anything, O’Rourke pointed to financial restriction as the main roadblock on Newcastle’s path to a reunion with Anderson.
“I don’t think Newcastle, especially if they’ve got no Champions League football to offer next season, will be in any position to offer £100million due to PSR, FFP,” O’Rourke said.
