It was reported recently that Elliot Anderson had agreed a deal to leave Newcastle United on loan.
However, the teenager remains at St James’ Park as we enter the second half of the January transfer window.
The Athletic stated on January 12th that Anderson was set to join Championship side Luton Town for the rest of the season. The attacking midfielder has been linked with Luton in the past, but was denied a move by Steve Bruce last year.
Despite not going out on loan, first-team opportunities have been limited for Anderson. He’s been a regular on the bench, but hasn’t played senior football for Newcastle since January 18th 2021 – one year ago today.
It’s essential that he gets experience elsewhere on loan, but why has a temporary move away not been confirmed?
Squad availability preventing Elliot Anderson loan
On the latest episode of the Athletic’s Pod On The Tyne podcast, reporter Chris Waugh explained what is going on with the 19-year-old.
“Elliot Anderson, as I wrote last week, has a deal agreed to go to Luton Town,” Waugh said.
“But Newcastle haven’t let him go yet because they haven’t got enough players fit at the moment or available because of COVID, so that is delaying that.”
Anderson will be desperate to leave Newcastle
This loan move is essential for Anderson’s development. He’ll be eager to leave the North East and prove his worth in the second tier.
If he thrives at Luton, he could be closer to more first-team involvement at Newcastle next season.
And if we go down, he could end up being a key player for the Magpies in the Championship.
Eddie Howe desperately needs players back to full fitness or new faces to arrive to ensure that Anderson can leave. Sitting on the bench or playing youth football isn’t going to help him kick on.
Newcastle currently have Ciaran Clark, Karl Darlow, Dwight Gayle and Federico Fernandez unavailable.
Both Clark and Darlow haven’t been seen since the 4-0 defeat to Manchester City. Meanwhile, Fernandez appears to be edging closer to a comeback, having been injured for just over a month.
Hopefully they return soon, and Anderson can make the temporary move down south.
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