Exclusive with Graeme Bailey.
Liverpool are likely to be on the lookout for a new midfielder in 2026, with Elliot Anderson one of those on the radar, Rousing The Kop understands.
The Reds have looked disjointed in midfield ever since Florian Wirtz’s summer arrival, and Arne Slot is keen to address the current lack of balance.
Anderson has been in terrific form since joining Nottingham Forest from Newcastle in 2024, forcing his way into Thomas Tuchel’s England starting XI.
The 22-year-old’s emergence as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League is likely to see him leave Forest before or immediately after next year’s World Cup.
And as journalist Graeme Bailey exclusively tells RTK, Liverpool could be getting a Jordan Henderson regen if they decide to pull the trigger on Anderson.
Elliot Anderson is so similar to Jordan Henderson
Anderson has been making Newcastle regret their decision to sell him virtually since the day he arrived at Forest.
With the England international now ready to join one of the Premier League’s top clubs, Bailey says he could see Anderson’s career following that of Henderson’s.
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“Anderson reminds me of Jordan Henderson in so many ways,” says the transfer expert.
“I saw Henderson on loan at Coventry from Sunderland when he was younger, it always stays with me, it was an FA Cup tie at Blackburn. It was the first time I saw him and I remember thinking ‘who is this lad?!’ He was outstanding.”
“The same thing happened to me with Elliot Anderson. He was on loan at Bristol Rovers and I can’t remember who they were playing against, but I saw him and I had the same feeling. He was playing on the wing for Bristol Rovers, just like Henderson when he was younger, he looked like a winger but he became natural more internal.
“I think Anderson could become like a Henderson, a number eight who can do anything. I think he could have that sort of career.”
Liverpool could be in the mix for Anderson
Although Henderson has something of a mixed reputation among Liverpool supporters, his standing should definitely be higher.
The former captain was a complete midfielder at his best, and was the heartbeat of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool for close to a decade.
Given the similar traits in Anderson’s game, Bailey says it would not be a surprise if the Reds firm up their interest in the Forest star.
“We know a lot of teams really rate him, he could be England’s number eight at the World Cup the way he’s going. Why wouldn’t Liverpool be keen on him?” he says.
“I think there’s a good chance he leaves Forest next summer, and when he does go he’s going to be in the Adam Wharton price category. He might even suit more teams more than a Wharton would. Everyone’s aware of Anderson, but I think more and more he could be one Liverpool look at. Could you see Anderson and Gravenberch next to each other? Easily.”
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