AliousElliot Anderson has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest since his arrival, but his move from Newcastle United was anything but straightforward. The transfer, completed during the summer window, nearly fell apart despite Newcastle’s need to offload players due to their Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) situation.
For Anderson, the move was unexpected. He had begun carving out a role in Newcastle’s first team and didn’t anticipate leaving. However, Evangelos Marinakis seized the opportunity, making a decisive move to secure the midfielder’s signature. The gamble has paid off handsomely, as Anderson has become an indispensable member of Forest’s squad. Having played in all 25 Premier League matches so far, he has contributed one goal and five assists, proving his worth week in and week out.
Dion Dublin has even suggested Anderson deserves an England call-up, an argument strengthened when considering the chaos behind his transfer. While Anderson quickly found his place under Nuno Espírito Santo’s leadership, the same cannot be said for the negotiations that brought him to the City Ground. With mere hours remaining before the PSR deadline, the deal was at serious risk of collapse.
According to The Athletic, last-minute discussions at the ownership level were crucial in getting the transfer over the line. Jamie Reuben and Evangelos Marinakis were locked in talks alongside Newcastle CEO Darren Eales and Anderson’s agent, David Manasseh. Initially, Newcastle had hoped to include Anthony Elanga in the deal, but Forest refused to part ways with the winger—a decision that has proven justified given Elanga’s excellent season. Instead, Newcastle had to settle for Odysseas Vlachodimos, a player they had far less interest in.
For Marinakis, keeping hold of Elanga while still convincing Newcastle to accept Vlachodimos was a masterstroke. In hindsight, the deal has only become more painful for Newcastle fans. Not only did they lose a talented midfielder in Anderson, but the player they acquired in return has struggled immensely.
Vlachodimos never cemented a place at Forest, making him an expendable piece in the negotiation. But his move to Newcastle has been far from successful. The Greek international has made just one appearance for the club—a Carabao Cup match against AFC Wimbledon—earning a 6/10 rating from local media. Initially expected to compete for a starting role, he now finds himself firmly behind both Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka, the latter even signing a new contract despite previously being tipped for an exit.
As Nottingham Forest prepares to visit St. James’ Park this Sunday, it will be a homecoming for Anderson, who has thrived since leaving Newcastle. However, Vlachodimos, the player sent in the opposite direction, is unlikely to feature at all—further highlighting the stark contrast in fortunes between the two clubs in this deal.
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