Eddie Howe admits Newcastle transfer ‘regret’ ahead of Forest clash

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·3 October 2025

Eddie Howe admits Newcastle transfer ‘regret’ ahead of Forest clash

Eddie Howe admits he feels regret about Elliot Anderson’s transfer as he prepares his Newcastle United team to face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League this weekend.

The midfielder came through the Magpies’ academy before making his senior debut as a 19-year-old and eventually breaking into Howe’s first-team plans.

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Despite his impressive rise through the ranks, Anderson joined Forest for around £34 million in 2024, a move that was precipitated by Newcastle‘s PSR concerns at the time.

Anderson has been in excellent form for the Tricky Trees this season, which has seen him earn his first England caps and another call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the October international break.

Eddie Howe admits Newcastle transfer ‘regret’ ahead of Forest clash

“I am delighted for him. Every time I watch him there is mixed feelings,” Howe said in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s clash at St. James’ Park.

“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.”

He added: “He was probably at a stage where he was desperate to play regular football and I couldn’t argue with that sort of train of thought. I want all my players to feel that and want that.

“But there was no denying that the ability we saw in him we knew that Elliot was going to be an outstanding player, so it was very much regretful that we lost him.

“He’s a very talented technical player and can do anything he wants with the ball. Those players are very precious.”

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Newcastle have no fresh injury concerns following their 4-0 win over Union Saint-Gilloise in the UEFA Champions League. However, Tino Livramento is expected to be sidelined for eight weeks after sustaining a knee injury during last weekend’s defeat to Arsenal.

“He went to see a specialist a couple of days ago because the scan maybe looked better than we initially thought,” Howe said.

“The specialist confirmed it’s roughly an eight-week injury. A blow to lose him, but for what It could have been it is good news.”

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