Newcastle United cannot afford to dwell on the past, but there is a serious sense of ‘what if’ after the summer transfer window.
What if Newcastle United had been able to complete a deal to sign Marc Guehi. What if a winger had arrived to improve Eddie Howe’s attacking options.
And what if profit and sustainability rules had not caused Newcastle to lose two of their most exciting talents.
The Magpies were spared an uncomfortable reunion at the weekend, with Yankuba Minteh not involved in Brighton’s 1-0 win at St James’ Park.
However, the 20-year-old has been very impressive for the Seagulls, with Eddie Howe admitting that he did not want to sell Minteh.
And the same goes for Elliot Anderson, who will face Newcastle for the second time as a Nottingham Forest player on November 10th.
Newcastle United’s Elliot Anderson regret
Both exits have been met with regret, but the Anderson exit was particularly upsetting due to him coming through the Newcastle United academy and impressing for Eddie Howe’s side.
Now he is impressing in a Nottingham Forest shirt, much to the frustration of Toon officials.
According to iNews, there is huge regret over selling Anderson to Nottingham Forest – even if his departure was enforced due to PSR.
iNews add that Newcastle want to avoid being in that situation again where they are forced to sell players.
That is what happened this summer. Anderson joined Forest for £35million and Minteh went to Brighton for £33million. Newcastle brought in big money for two players, as they scrambled to comply with PSR and avoid a points deduction.
Anderson can give Newcastle hope despite transfer regret
The Elliot Anderson regret will only intensify with every strong performance for Forest.
He was outstanding for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side on Monday, as they beat Crystal Palace 1-0. Newcastle fans were seriously impressed with Anderson, as he continues to prove why Eddie Howe was so desperate to keep him.
But he could not keep him. Newcastle had to sell. PIF would not tolerate a points deduction, which meant the Magpies needed to comply with PSR by any means necessary.
Anderson and Minteh were the casualties, but the former can still serve as motivation for Toon officials.
The 21-year-old came through the Newcastle academy, at a time when it is vital that the club produces more of its own talent. Howe recently said that Anderson is an ‘elite’ player, and described Lewis Miley in the same light.
They are two shining examples of what Newcastle can produce, and there should be even more players like them rising through the ranks with the right investment and infrastructure.
While the Anderson transfer is riddled with regret, there will be hope that the next Elliot Anderson is not forced to leave.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
