Newcastle United have evolved and adapted to a new variant of Eddie Howe’s tactical ideology after summer changes and rapid changes.
That is, Alexander Isaac’s record sales to Premier League champion Liverpool rocked the boat, but Newcastle replaced Isaac with Nick Urtemaid and Joa Wissa.
Having achieved three goals in six matches, the Woltemade 23 looks genuine talent. This is adapted to strikers from other brands as they were called “Problems and Solutions” by reporter Craig Hope and discussed United’s teething problems.
But Whissa’s fate is different, but he has yet to play or train with his first team after moving from Brentford this summer due to a knee injury.
But with all the positive additions, it has not shaken the sense that Magpies have broken up some of the top talent in recent years, which may have made a bigger impact than this season.
As Howe himself revealed, one of those players is Elliot Anderson, and the boss wants to return to St. James Park.
In 2024, Newcastle sold Anderson to Nottingham Forest. The price has now reached approximately £35 million. This was a top midfield talent, but PSR demanded collection from Newcastle, and this was a sacrifice that Piff had to do.
In hindsight, Toon Chiefs must hope that they have found another way to avoid financial problems. The 22-year-old, hailed as a “stolen player” by his three Lions teammate Reece James, has only gained strength since leaving the club as a boy, and has completed it in his midfield role.
Howe said this week he wanted Geordy to return to the club, but that wouldn’t be easy to get past the line. Anderson is at the heart of the Tricky Tree Project, and bringing him back to Tyneside actually costs a lot of money.
“I don’t know if he’ll be back, but certainly from my perspective I love him. It (his sales) wasn’t sitting with me. As a football club, we’re forced to make decisions that we don’t want to make.
“And the player who gave them everything to rank up here to try and try to play for Newcastle, that ended up with financial restrictions…”
Nevertheless, Newcastle can dream of reunion. Anderson’s dynamic approach to craft suggests that he is perfect alongside Bruno Guimaras and Sandro Tonari.
Anderson-PL Forest Record | ||
|---|---|---|
Statistics (*per game) | 24/25 | 25/26 |
Match (start) | 37 (33) | 6 (6) |
the goal | 2 | 0 |
assist | 6 | 1 |
touch* | 54.2 | 106.0 |
Pass completed | 82% | 89% |
A big opportunity has been created | 7 | 1 |
Key Pass* | 1.0 | 1.3 |
dribble* | 1.0 | 1.0 |
Ball recovery* | 5.6 | 7.8 |
Tackle + Intercept* | 2.5 | 4.0 |
Duels (winning)* | 6.5 (52%) | 7.5 (55%) |
Data based on sofa score | ||
It’s a great shame that Newcastle didn’t keep him in class, but the decision was understandable.
However, Anderson wasn’t the only prospect. Certainly, another was sold around the same time he proved himself in the Premier League.
Other talent Newcastle needs to be re-signed
If Jankabaminte wore a Newcastle shirt after completing his transfer from Denmark’s Audence Bald Kurb in 2023, it was not a competitive ability.
Now he plays in blue and white, joining Brighton & Hove Albion on a £30 million package a year ago. Last season, Minte was impressed by the seagulls. Raw and unpolished, yes, the Gambian winger introduced his physical and technical qualities, scored seven goals and supported five more competitions in all competitions.
In the past six Premier League matches, Minteh scored once and registered two assists.
And the underlying data highlights why Brighton paid a big buck for a young gem that has not been tested in the English game after lending the 2023/24 season in the Netherlands with Arne Slot’s Feyenoord.
According to the data-driven platform FBREF, he ranks in the top 12% of midfielders and wingers during attacks in Europe, with take-ons successful, top 5% being brought into the penalty area, with the top 1% of tackles per 90 people ranked over the past year.
A successful take-on is recorded when the player defeats the opponent while bringing the ball directly into the possession.
The 21-year-old has so far won 6.8 duels per game in the Premier League. His distribution could use some kind of work, but he is a real threat in the last third.
Newcastle knows too well. After all, Minte scored two goals in two games against Newcastle, including a draw in the Premier League last season, knocking out Howe’s outfit from the FA Cup in the semi-finals.
Following these blows, Spanish reporter Jose Alberto Choza even called him “the number one public enemy for Newcastle fans.”
If Minte continues to advance in the Premier League with Brighton, if he has the chance to attack again, that’s something he can’t comply with, given that he has his grasp on him.
Newcastle searched for Pasy’s right-hand advances this summer when landing Anthony Elanga for a £55 million price from Nottingham Forest, but it’s rare to suggest that the ceiling of Swedish International is higher than Minte.
Anyway, where is the harm in having a duality of choice on the aspect? Jacob Murphy is only 30 years old, but he will never be around forever, and Minte boasts the profile that Hau is looking for.
Like Anderson, if you’re interested in bringing Minte back to the club over the next few years, Newcastle will cost you a lot.
However, his trajectory on the South Coast suggests that they must act quickly. Because Minte is getting better and better, and his price tag rises at the same time.
TeamTalk recently revealed that the hosts of top Premier League clubs have already sniffed after witnessing the early season shape of the star, so Newcastle has to attack as much as possible.