Those on the outside and even some of those on the inside, would agree PS35 million for Elliot Anderson is a very good deal for Newcastle United.

With 55 competitive Newcastle United appearances for the attacking midfielder with no goals to his name for NUFC, it would appear on paper, that Nottingham Forest has overpaid for the young man.

However, it isn't as straightforward as that.

What Elliot Anderson brings is energy, aggression, and tenacity, and he's also a local lad from the north east. Although no competitive goals to his name, he's a very capable player.

Last season the Scottish under-21 international was starting to force his way onto the first eleven team sheet, but unfortunately, his playing time was halted, with an injury that forced him to sit on the sidelines.

A player Eddie Howe highly rated and an individual he probably didn't want to lose.

Despite receiving a significant fee for the local lad, the concern is what this means for the future of the academy?

PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) was one of the main headlines in June, with Newcastle finding themselves in a position where they had to sell before the 30 June 2024 accounting deadline for season 2023/24.

There was talk of potentially Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaires, or Anthony Gordon leaving the club, but Newcastle United were focused on not losing any of their prized assets, meaning other players had to be sold.

Yankuba Minteh also on his way out as part of Newcastle's PSR strategy.

Everton looked the most likely destination but it was Brighton who got the signature for a PS33 million fee. Quite incredible to receive that level of money for a player yet to play a competitive game for Newcastle United. Minteh's sale helped but Elliot Anderson was the most obvious choice, with him being a homegrown player his sale was 100% profit and gave maximum PSR benefits.

IMAGO/NurPhoto

The concern not just for Newcastle United, but for other clubs in the country, is that these young stars will be targeted to sell. The dream to play for your boyhood club could have a limited timeframe as it is the most sensible and lucrative approach to hitting the accounting targets by selling those who come through the ranks.

The dream of becoming the next Alan Shearer could fade for those youngsters from Tyneside, as if you can get full profit on the sale, the likelihood is that the club will take that approach.

The Premier League has now opted to follow the UEFA framework in their ambitions to allegedly improve the current PSR rules. These new rules will be tried out in shadow form next season before being implemented in the 2025-26 season. It remains to be seen whether or not these new rules will help encourage Premier League clubs to keep their homegrown players and keep the dream alive amongst the locals.

Football has always had romance attached to the sport, but as finances have become the main focus, there is a risk the game we all love might end up no longer possessing any of that charm we all fell for.

(Simon also has his very own blog which you can visit here)