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New York Times
04-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Elliot Anderson knocking on the England door is testament to Forest's growth environment
Before he signed for Newcastle United at the age of eight, Elliot Anderson was occasionally coached by Paul Gascoigne at Wallsend Boys Club. Wallsend is a footballing institution in the North East, with Peter Beardsley, Alan Shearer and Michael Carrick all having come through their ranks. And following Anderson's performances for England as they won the Under-21 European Championship last month, it seems increasingly likely that he will follow in their footsteps — and those of Gascoigne, whose nephew played in the same Wallsend side as Anderson — in another sense. Advertisement Following an outstanding debut season under Nuno Espirito Santo, Nottingham Forest fans have long been campaigning for Anderson to be given a senior England call-up. But the plan among the England hierarchy was always for him to be given the opportunity to shine in Slovakia in the Under-21 tournament this summer. And he did exactly that, appearing in every game in the competition, while contributing a goal and an assist for Lee Carsley's side, who lifted the trophy following a 3-2 extra-time win over Germany. His performances in the heart of midfield will surely have given Thomas Tuchel something to think about. But the rise of Anderson should have given plenty of other people food for thought as well. Because, in a similar way to Wallsend, Forest are increasingly building a reputation of their own. Anderson is only the latest in a long line of examples as to why, if you are a young player wanting to progress your career, signing for Forest might be a very good idea. The midfielder was already regarded as being a player with vast potential at St James' Park, where he had been bestowed with the rather lofty nickname of 'the Geordie Maradona' — something Forest fans have continued to call him following his move. But last season was the first time that Anderson had enjoyed a consistent run of Premier League games. His close control and ability to carry the ball in tight areas make it an understandable comparison. But with his determined outlook, he is perhaps more comparable to a young Steven Gerrard or even a young Roy Keane. Even if he has a long way to go to match those players, his trajectory is unmistakably an upward one. After making his top-flight debut for Newcastle in January 2021, Anderson subsequently made 44 league appearances, but only 13 of those were starts. Under Nuno, Anderson was involved in 37 of Forest's 38 Premier League games in 2024-25, and he started 33 of them. Advertisement Having been signed predominantly to bolster Forest's options on the left side of the three in their preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, Anderson has instead established himself as their most effective central midfielder, more regularly playing in the two. It is in a similar, deeper role where he flourished for England Under-21s in Slovakia — and where he might ultimately be able to force himself onto Tuchel's radar. What is almost certain is that he will start the coming season as one of the first names on the team sheet for Nuno, as Forest look to build on their seventh-placed finish. 'I still believe he has the ability to be versatile. It can only make him better for the future, being able to play more than one position,' said Nuno in a press conference towards the end of the campaign. 'It is a thing a squad needs in its players and Elliot can do that. Every time one of our players plays for their national side, we are proud. That is one of their goals as an individual and that makes them perform better for us. It's a cycle.' Anderson will return to the City Ground as a European age-group champion, but he will also return as one of a growing number of examples of players who have improved by being given the opportunity to grow and evolve with Forest. Since winning promotion in 2022, Forest invested around £101million ($137m) to sign Neco Williams, Murillo, Morgan Gibbs-White, Danilo and Anthony Elanga. Callum Hudson-Odoi cost a relatively modest £4m when he joined two years ago. None were outcasts. They were all young men with bright reputations. But they, along with Anderson, have all taken a significant step forward at Forest. They have all become better players, and this is proven by the interest shown in them or Forest's desire to tie them down to new deals. Newcastle are keen on Elanga, with a bid of £45m — three times the fee Forest paid for him two years ago — having been rejected last month. Williams has just agreed a new contract tying him to the club until 2029. Murillo's progress has seen him monitored by some of the big teams across Europe — if he ever does leave Forest, he could easily become one of the most expensive defenders ever. Advertisement Manchester City were keen on Gibbs-White, who regularly captained Forest last season and has now won four senior caps with England. He has become one of the most important and influential figures in the Forest dressing room. Hudson-Odoi made his England debut at the age of just 18 in 2019 and was regarded as the next big thing to come through the Chelsea ranks. But his career had stagnated in London and it was only the move to Forest that sparked it back to life. Forest hope he'll sign a longer contract, with his current deal set to expire next summer. Danilo's rise was paused last season by the broken leg he suffered on the opening day. But, if he is sold this summer, it is likely to be for roughly double the amount Forest paid (£11m) for the Brazilian. When Forest made the step up from the Championship, owner Evangelos Marinakis was a fan of the Brighton & Hove Albion model, the way they invested reasonable fees to sign the brightest young talent from different markets around the world, before committing time and effort into making them better. Now, if a young player — Botafogo's Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha are perfect examples, with the duo expected to complete moves to Forest imminently — is considering the merits of a move to the City Ground, they only need look at the number of individuals who have seen their potential fulfilled at Forest. Nuno and the club's hierarchy have worked hard to create a nurturing environment. The facilities at the training ground have been improved, with the focus on promoting a sense of togetherness, with the cafeteria and players' lounge having been revamped to create a space where players can be together before and after training. 'I believe everybody should be in equal circumstances, and everybody has a fresh start — no matter how old you are, no matter where you come from, no matter what you did in the past,' said Nuno in a press conference. 'Because there's no past in football, there's always only what is ahead of you.' But there is no escaping the fact that their success in developing players will only make signing for Forest a more attractive prospect, and their future should be brighter for it. Anderson and many others would surely attest.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
England U21 2-1 Netherlands U21: Harvey Elliott magic sets up Euro final showdown with Germany
England are through to the European Under-21 Championship final after beating Netherlands. Liverpool's Harvey Elliott was the hero for Lee Carsley's side with two stunning second half goals either side of Noah Ohio's equally impressive equaliser for the Dutch. Advertisement As a result, the Young Lions - who lifted the trophy two years ago - remain on course to go back-to-back as they will be back in Bratislava on Saturday to defend their European U21 Championship crown against Germany. The Germans cruised past France, 3-0, in the other semi-final with Nelson Weiper, Nick Woltemade and Brajan Gruda all netting to set up a repeat of the 2009 final. England were the dominant team in the first-half but had nothing to show for their efforts. Ipswich's Omari Hutchinson was the standout player, creating a chance, inside the opening three minutes, for Elliott who was denied by a really impressive save from Robin Roefs. Roefs was called into action once again to keep out Elliott's effort at his near post before the Dutch goalkeeper raced off his line to smother the ball at the feet of James McAtee who had attempted a cheeky finish. Advertisement Alex Scott then saw a shot deflected over the bar in the final action of the half. To their credit, the Netherlands started the second half the better of the two teams with Aston Villa full-back Ian Maatsen forcing James Beadle into a full stretch save following an effort from distance. In many ways the opening goal came slightly against the run of play when Elliott fired an effort into the roof of the net following a quick counter-attack. The lead lasted all of 10 minutes though as substitute Noah Ohio equalised for the Netherlands with his very first touch of the ball as he caught Beadle off his line with a fine finish. With the game heading into extra-time and potentially penalties, Elliott made the difference with a moment of magic. Evading a couple of challenges before finding the bottom corner to book England's place in the final.
CNA
02-07-2025
- Sport
- CNA
Leverkusen sign defender Quansah from Liverpool
Bayer Leverkusen have signed England Under-21 international Jarell Quansah from Premier League club Liverpool on a five-year contract, the Bundesliga club said on Wednesday. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed, but British media reported that Leverkusen would pay up to 35 million pounds ($47.92 million), including five million pounds in potential add-ons. The 22-year-old defender, a product of Liverpool's academy, made his senior debut in the 2023-24 season and went on to make 58 appearances in all competitions for the Merseyside outfit. Quansah was part of the England squad which won the Under-21 European Championship this year under Lee Carsley. "We are delighted to have signed Jarell Quansah, one of England's most promising centre-backs. He's quick, agile and a good footballer," Leverkusen's Sporting Director Simon Rolfes said in a statement. Leverkusen, who finished second to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, appointed former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag as their head coach in May, replacing Xabi Alonso who left to join Real Madrid. They sold Dutch right back Jeremie Frimpong and German international Florian Wirtz to Liverpool, with the latter departing last month for a fee of 100 million pounds and a further maximum of 16 million pounds in potential bonuses. ($1 = 0.7305 pounds)
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Liverpool eye £40m+ for Harvey Elliott as interest builds after U21 Championship heroics
Liverpool have set a firm asking price for Harvey Elliott following his outstanding campaign at the European Under-21 Championship, where the 22-year-old inspired England to the title and was named Player of the Tournament. Elliott scored five goals in six matches to help the Young Lions retain their crown, capping a summer that has significantly raised his stock across Europe. Advertisement Despite his limited role in Arne Slot's title-winning Premier League side last season — with just two starts in the league — the club still value him highly. Liverpool believe Elliott's experience at the top level, combined with his recent international success, places him above recent benchmarks such as Jarell Quansah's expected £35 million move to Bayer Leverkusen. As a result, the Reds have made it clear they would only consider selling the versatile forward for more than £40 million if a buy-back clause is included, or upwards of £50 million without one. The club are aware that Elliott is seeking more regular minutes at elite level, potentially in the Champions League, and may be open to a move abroad if a suitable opportunity arises. Advertisement Interest in Elliott is said to be building, though it remains to be seen whether any club is willing to match Liverpool's valuation. The decision to demand a buy-back clause in some scenarios suggests that Liverpool are not completely closing the door on Elliott's long-term future at Anfield. His combination of technical quality, tactical intelligence and age makes him an attractive proposition in the current market, especially for clubs looking for creative depth in wide or midfield areas. Meanwhile, Liverpool's focus on reshaping the squad continues. While high-profile arrivals such as Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong have grabbed headlines, outgoings are just as crucial in maintaining balance. Advertisement Quansah is close to joining Bayer Leverkusen, and further departures could follow, with Elliott's fellow England youth international Tyler Morton also expected to leave. Elliott's next move could depend on whether clubs are willing to meet Liverpool's terms — but after his summer exploits, his name will remain on the radar across Europe as the window progresses.
Forbes
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Has Today's Game Left England Sensation Harvey Elliott Behind?
Elliott is on a high after steering England's youngsters to a trophy in Slovakia. Whether he meant to or not, England and Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott has proved a point over the past few weeks. The 22-year-old recently collected the award for best player at UEFA's European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia, which he and his international teammates went on to win as the Young Lions defended the trophy. Elliott ended the competition with five goals, putting him second on the scoring list behind Germany's tall striker Nick Woltemade (six), whose side lost the final. Elliott brought dynamism to England's play, something he offers whenever pulling on a jersey for club and country. Moreover, the live wire demonstrated leadership qualities throughout the 17-day tournament. In senior soccer, he's not a protagonist, however—that is despite earning nearly 150 appearances over six years for Liverpool. Very much on the fringes during Reds trainer Arne Slot's victorious first season in 2024/25, the player is yet to represent England's first team in any match (although his performances will have impressed head coach Thomas Tuchel). Meanwhile, Elliott's future with Liverpool, his boyhood club, is undecided. He may be heading elsewhere this summer transfer window. Elliott: A Brilliant By-Product Of Elite Soccer Culture A handful of Premier League clubs are said to have an interest in Harvey Elliott. German talent developer RB Leipzig is also reportedly in the mix as a possible new home. Were he to leave, Liverpool might be happy with an offer around the €50 million ($59 million) mark for a squad rotation option who arrived on the cheap. In truth, for an athlete of his age and proven skill, you could easily add another €20 million ($24 million) on top of that sort of sum. With RB Leipzig a possible destination, could midfielder Elliott make a left-field move to a ... More continental team? Which is where the intrigue lies. In today's game, being as electric as Elliott isn't always enough with the elite sides. He plays in a hybrid position, somewhere between an all-action number eight and a winger, and Liverpool—with fierce competition for places and seeking marginal gains—doesn't necessarily need Elliott, making him a sellable asset, one that could make a healthy profit as well. From there emerges a market for stars who, despite not holding down a place at a top-tier team, are still extremely attractive and worth pursuing in the transfer market. And in Elliott's case, it seems he would consider a change if he can't go from impact substitute to regular starter, albeit reluctantly, given his love for Liverpool. 'I don't want to be wasting years of my career because it's a short career,' he said earlier this month. Elliott may have found himself a little stranded by the harsh reality of a mega club culture and its limited opportunities. But wherever he might go, and for whatever price, he has the chance to kick on after living at least some of his dream on Merseyside. Ultimately, while Liverpool will consider the business element of moving the ex-Fulham graduate on, Elliott must decide whether it's better to graft away at the Premier League champion or establish himself more in new colors before the World Cup next summer.
