Elliot Anderson’s rise since joining Nottingham Forest has been nothing short of spectacular. Having arrived for over £30 million during Newcastle United’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) struggles in 2024, the 22-year-old midfielder has quickly repaid that investment. Anderson’s performances this season have been consistently impressive, earning him full England international status and a starring role in recent World Cup qualifiers.

TBR Football reports that Forest have made it clear they have “no intention of entertaining any interest in him” despite several Premier League clubs showing serious interest. Ange Postecoglou, Forest’s manager, views Anderson as “a cornerstone to his team going forward”, highlighting just how integral the young midfielder has become to their ambitions.

This determination to keep Anderson signals the growing confidence at Forest under Postecoglou’s leadership. Evangelos Marinakis, Forest’s owner, is reportedly in a strong financial position to resist bids, a significant shift from last summer when the club was forced into high-profile sales to meet PSR obligations.

Liverpool, the reigning Premier League champions under Arne Slot, are reportedly seeking a defensive midfielder. According to TBR Football, “Liverpool plan to sign a defensive midfielder in the upcoming transfer windows” with Brighton’s Carlos Baleba among the top targets. However, there is also growing speculation that the Merseyside club could consider Anderson as part of their strategy to reinforce the midfield.

Ryan Gravenberch’s development into one of the finest number six players in world football has stabilised the Reds’ core, but Slot wants added depth and versatility in the engine room. Anderson’s mix of creativity, work rate and recent England call-up make him a particularly attractive option.

TBR Football further noted that Newcastle United “would ‘love’ the chance to bring him back home to Tyneside”, emphasising the competitive nature of this potential transfer battle.

Eddie Howe’s regret over Anderson’s departure remains palpable. The Magpies’ manager reportedly “never wanted to lose Anderson in the summer of 2024” but financial pressures forced Newcastle’s hand. As the midfielder’s reputation grows, the desire to re-sign their academy product intensifies, though Forest’s firm stance makes any such return unlikely at present.

Forest’s resilience in keeping hold of Anderson could be pivotal for their ambitions both domestically and in Europe. Their success in doing so would also serve as a statement of intent as they aim to establish themselves as regular challengers for continental competition spots.

With Anderson already a full England international and set to play a key role in the 2026 World Cup build-up, his value is only expected to rise. Forest’s resolve will likely be tested again in upcoming transfer windows, especially if Liverpool decide that Anderson is the right fit for Slot’s evolving system.

For now, Postecoglou’s vision is clear, and keeping Anderson at the City Ground will remain a top priority for both the manager and the club’s hierarchy.

Tthe growing talk around Elliot Anderson is intriguing. Arne Slot has already proven he can mould a title-winning team in his debut season, and strengthening the midfield remains key to sustaining that success across all competitions.

Anderson, though not a traditional holding midfielder, offers a unique profile. His energy, tactical intelligence and eye for a pass have been central to Forest’s resurgence, and his versatility could help Liverpool in more advanced midfield roles or as a dynamic partner to Gravenberch.

The challenge lies in whether Forest can maintain their resistance to offers. With Champions League football and the lure of working under Slot in a title-defending side, Anderson might eventually see Anfield as a natural next step. His ability to link play and his composure under pressure suggest he could adapt quickly to Liverpool’s high-tempo style.

From the fans’ angle, this pursuit would feel ambitious yet strategic. The idea of adding another young, England-capped player in his prime years aligns with Liverpool’s recruitment ethos. It also shows Slot’s intent to keep the squad competitive on all fronts while building for the future.

The potential stumbling block remains Forest’s valuation and their apparent unwillingness to sell. If Anderson becomes Liverpool’s top midfield target, the coming windows could see a fascinating tug of war. For now, supporters will watch closely as this story unfolds, hopeful that the club can seize an opportunity to add another rising star to an already formidable team.