Newcastle United Are Planning To Bring Back This Former Player: A Sentimental Return Or A Strategic Error | OneFootball

Newcastle United often look back at familiar names. The club feels drawn by a sense of unfinished business. The Magpies, now steady under Eddie Howe, continue to link themselves with several new midfield options. The latest name creating buzz in Tyneside once wore their shirt.

Elliot Anderson, once a promising youngster at St James’ Park, now shines for Nottingham Forest. He also plays for England with growing confidence. According to iNews, Newcastle plan to bring him back. His previous deal does not include a buy-back clause, so his price could reach around £55 million.

Newcastle United plan to bring back Elliot Anderson

Anderson’s story shows what might have been. He left Newcastle in 2024 for £35 million, as the club sold him to meet PSR rules, not for footballing reasons. Since then, the 22-year-old has grown rapidly in stride at Nottingham Forest. He looks sharper, more composed, and far more confident than he did in his early Newcastle days.

Elliot’s form has also drawn attention across the league. Many now call him one of the most talked-about young English midfielders. Meanwhile, we reported earlier that Newcastle United want to sign Joel Ordonez, and that interest shows how they continue to push for squad strength. Meanwhile, Manchester United have entered the race to sign Newcastle United target Endrick, which makes the transfer market even tougher for the Magpies.

A Sentimental Return or a Strategic Error?

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 18: Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Chelsea at City Ground on October 18, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

From an emotional view, the thought of Newcastle re-signing Anderson feels poetic and appealing. Yet if the deal reaches around £55 million, many will question the financial sense. The Magpies let him go reluctantly, and paying more to bring him back would break the logic behind his earlier sale.

In the future, the Magpies will likely call such a move wasteful. Anderson’s rise deserves praise, but spending that much could block the club’s other plans. Howe already runs a strong midfield group, and adding Anderson might not solve any real gaps.

Instead, Newcastle must look forward and invest their money in new talent. Revisiting old choices only slows their growth. Emotional signings might please the fans, but you need to take a look at the financial side of things as well. The club’s progress depends on clear planning, wise spending, and the will to move forward without looking back.