Premier League side were stunned Newcastle were willing to sell ‘unbelievable’ player this summer

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Newcastle United appeared to be one of the busier Premier League sides towards the end of June as they looked to bring in the funds which would see them comply with Profit and Sustainability.

Eddie Howe‘s side have not yet been able to make significant progress when it comes to making marquee signings, with their focus instead on ensuring that they avoided being in danger of receiving a hefty points deduction.

Yankuba Minteh has signed for Brighton, while Elliot Anderson has moved to Nottingham Forest; there were even talks which would have seen Anthony Gordon join Liverpool.

Losing Minteh is not ideal, but he is someone who is unproven in the Premier League – although it is always ominous for other top-flight sides when Brighton pursue a player given how good their track record is.

Newcastle surprise Premier League rival by making player available

But Anderson’s move to the City Ground seemed extremely surprising – with, as it turns out, Nottingham Forest seemingly as surprised as anyone that the midfielder was available.

According to a report from The Athletic, Forest have long admired the 21-year-old but always assumed that he would not be available. In fact, the report claims that Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were not specifically looking to strengthen in the middle of the park in this window.

One big question following Elliot Anderson’s Nottingham Forest move

Newcastle’s hand was somewhat forced in what they did in the early stages of the transfer window, with the club looking to make sure that they brought funds in, but it will be very interesting to see which side ends up feeling that they have got the better end of the deal in the years to come.

Anderson was never quite able to establish himself in the side and create quite the same buzz as Lewis Miley arguably did last season. But he is player Kieran Trippier has labelled ‘unbelievable‘ in the past, so it will certainly disappoint plenty to see him leave St James’ Park.

Forest are clearly optimistic that they have signed a special talent after being presented with an opportunity that was too good to turn down; an opportunity that they did not expect to have.