Eddie Howe admits Newcastle United made major mistake with £35million transfer

Newcastle United face Nottingham Forest on Sunday at St James’ Park, with former Toon midfielder Elliot Anderson, now a fully-fledged England international, set to return to face his boyhood side

Eddie Howe admits Newcastle made a mistake by selling Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest for just £35million – and the Toon boss regrets that there’s no buyback clause in the deal.

Anderson, only 22, left his boyhood club for Forest in 2024, despite not wanting to leave. He was forced out with the Magpies looking at a points deduction and needing to balance the books due to PSR.

He has since flourished at the City Ground, a key part in Forest’s excellent 2024-25 campaign and is now a fully-fledged England international, impressing head coach Thomas Tuchel. A World Cup place with the Three Lions is now very much his for the taking.

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Asked about his exit, Howe said: “It certainly was a rushed deal. We were on the clock and trying to explore every avenue to find another way to avoid a points deduction.

“In terms of buyback clauses, we were not in a good bargaining position at all. So our strength to negotiate those sort of things was non-existent.”

Asked if he regretted the board’s decision to cash in and allow Anderson to depart Howe added: “I wouldn’t say it’s on my mind every day, but there are certain reminders in certain moments.

“It didn’t sit right with me then, doesn’t sit right with me today that we as a football club were forced to make a decision that we didn’t want to make, and a player that had given everything to rise through the ranks here to try to play for Newcastle, that was ended by financial restrictions. But it’s happened, and we wish Elliot nothing but success.

“It’s nothing at all to do with him; it’s to do with the restrictions we were under.”

On Anderson’s development at Forest, Howe added: “I am delighted for him. Every time I watch him, there are mixed feelings. I am very pleased for him personally and his family, just knowing what a great lad he is and how hard he has worked on his game.

“But you see how well he plays, and that’s where the mixed feelings come in; there is a regret that it is not for us. He is outstanding on the ball and a great technician. I love how brave he is. I hope his career continues to go from strength to strength.”

Speaking about his departure from Newcastle, Anderson said: “It was sort of a tough move at the time, but I think ultimately I probably wouldn’t be sitting here now if I didn’t make the move.

“I think sometimes you’ve got to step out of your comfort zone and believe in yourself, which is sort of what I’ve done.

“I believed I was ready to go and play in the Premier League every week. I don’t think I would be in this position now if I didn’t do it.”

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