In the summer transfer window, Nottingham Forest signed Elliot Anderson from Newcastle United for £35 million, and Eddie Howe was a huge admirer.
If you want to know more about Elliot Anderson, the guy Nottingham Forest signed this summer transfer window, just ask his old manager, Eddie Howe. Anderson, 21, joined the City Ground from Premier League rivals Newcastle United for £35 million earlier this summer, and Howe was understandably saddened by the news.
Anderson, a Scottish international, rose through the ranks at Newcastle and spent 2021-22 tearing up League One with Bristol Rovers. However, under Howe, he was catapulted into the first-team environment on Tyneside and left this summer having made 55 appearances for the Magpies, including a couple in the Champions League.
Anderson, who signed a five-year contract in the East Midlands, was sold to Forest for pure profit, at a time when teams throughout the country are being cautious due to the foreboding Profitability and Sustainability Rules. That may work out well for Forest, especially given how highly Howe assessed him – who saw him in training on a daily basis.
“Elliot has exceptional talent. He’s not lightning fast. He can run, but taking the ball in tight circumstances requires body movement and confidence. He sees a pass and scores a goal. He had to work his way up through the academy. Elliot was our best player during the preseason. It was impressive that he outperformed several well-known figures. He possesses unique qualities.
Anderson has yet to be capped at senior international level, but he was called up by Scotland manager Steve Clarke in November of last year for a number of Euro 2024 qualifiers before being forced to withdraw due to injury. He’ll be hoping that at Forest, he’ll be given the opportunity to perform under Nuno Espirito Santo, ensuring that his first, ill-fated call-up isn’t his last.
He has played prominently in pre-season since his arrival and has overcome an injury scare after limping off in the match against Millwall. He made his debut at the City Ground on Friday, playing in a goalless draw against Villarreal.
