Chris Waddle has weighed into the debate over Newcastle United's decision to sell Elliot Anderson, calling the club 'daft' for not including a sell-on clause but stopping short of labelling it the biggest transfer blunder of the last decade. Anderson, now an England international, completed a £116 million move to Manchester City in 2026 after flourishing at Nottingham Forest.
Newcastle's PSR-Forced Sale
Newcastle were compelled to sell the academy graduate in 2024 to avoid Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) penalties, which would have included a fine and points deduction. With time running out, they accepted a £35 million offer from Nottingham Forest, which also saw goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos move to St James' Park for £20 million. The deal ultimately saved Newcastle from sanctions, and they went on to qualify for the Champions League that season and win a trophy for the first time in 56 years.
Anderson's Meteoric Rise
However, the transfer has come back to haunt Newcastle. Anderson established himself as a starter at Forest, blossoming into one of the Premier League's best midfielders. He became a regular for Thomas Tuchel's England side at the World Cup, leading to Manchester City's record-breaking bid. Newcastle's weak bargaining position meant they had no sell-on clause in the contract, a deal ironically overseen by Ross Wilson, who was then Forest's head of recruitment.
Waddle's Verdict
Former Newcastle winger Chris Waddle, speaking to 10bet, said: 'I suppose it’s easy to say that now. At the time - talking two years ago or whatever it was - they had Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton, and Lewis Miley coming through. They must have thought they were all right in that department, and that getting £40 million for him was a good deal.'
Waddle added: 'At the time, nobody knew Elliot Anderson was eventually going to be linked with moves for £115million or £120million. I suppose Newcastle were daft not to put a sell-on clause in, which is a bit silly in modern football - they should know to do that.'
Not the Biggest Blunder
When asked if the Anderson sale was the biggest transfer blunder in English football over the last decade, Waddle demurred. 'But listen, he's a good player. I'm sure he would have got into the Newcastle team this season, just like he did for Nottingham Forest. I like him as a footballer. He's not a naturally creative player who picks the ball up, drives at people, goes past them, and creates a lot of goals - he's a bit like Declan Rice. They are modern-day tactical footballers. But for Nottingham Forest to get the kind of money being turned around for him now is unbelievable, I've got to say.'
