The sale Eddie Howe didn't want to make may well come back to haunt Newcastle United

The sale Eddie Howe didn't really want to make was pushed through on a difficult weekend at St James' Park.

Howe stated in his last big public interview with Chronicle Live, deep in the bowels of the MCG Down Under, that he did not want a "mass overhaul" at St James' Park this summer. But that's exactly what it's turning into on Tyneside - and due to PSR rules he is hardly in a position to prevent it.

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You'd like to hope that the exit of Anderson is not the tip of the iceberg for Newcastle but there are no guarantees. Saying goodbye to the Whitley Bay lad will have been tough for Howe.

Just two years ago, Howe, after handing Anderson a new deal, had said: "He is just at the start of his journey at this level but he has a very exciting future ahead and we are delighted that his journey will continue here."

You can't judge Anderson on last season either because after a back injury he never really got up to full speed. When the season ended Anderson was just starting to run a little hotter.

In the 4-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur he was given a standing ovation at St James' Park after a polished midfield performance. He was also just beginning to strike up a good rapport with Anthony Gordon.

With England watching and Gareth Southgate admitting an interest in call up for the ex-Wallsend Boys club junior. True, ahead of the 2024/25 season he was never going to walk into a midfield starting place but he was capable of challenging strongly and can play further up the field too in attacking positions.

When news first broke of Wolverhampton Wanderers' interest in Anderson he was surprised Newcastle would even listen. But the weird world of PSR has altered perceptions, and not always for the better.

On paper £35million might look like a great deal but if Forest unlock his potential and he starts hitting the high notes at the City Ground, it may not be long before this could be one to regret. Anderson has the potential to do that.

Ironically, what should have been his only Premier League goal for Newcastle was chalked off for a diabolical infringement via VAR in the 2023 clash between United and Forest.

That night Forest fans cheered loudly when the decision cancelled the goal at a packed City Ground. But they could well be cheering for the different reasons concerning Anderson next season.