Nottingham Forest Head of Football has spoken out in response to Bayern Munich interest in Elliot Anderson

Forest Stand Firm: Edu Gaspar Shuts Down Bayern’s Advances for Star Midfielder Elliot Anderson

In a bold statement that underscores Nottingham Forest’s ambition to hold onto their prized assets, Global Head of Football Edu Gaspar has firmly rebuffed speculation surrounding Bayern Munich’s interest in dynamic midfielder Elliot Anderson. The Brazilian, who joined the City Ground hierarchy in a high-profile move from Arsenal earlier this year, emphasized the club’s unwavering commitment to building a competitive squad around young talents like the 23-year-old Englishman.

Bayern’s scouts have reportedly been tracking Anderson since his £35 million transfer from Newcastle United in the summer of 2024, where Profit and Sustainability Rules forced the Magpies’ hand. Since arriving in Nottingham, Anderson has blossomed into one of the Premier League’s most exciting prospects. His vision, tenacity, and goal-scoring flair—highlighted by a stunning curling strike in Forest’s 3-1 victory over Manchester City last weekend—have drawn admiring glances from Europe’s elite. With six goals and seven assists in 14 appearances this season, Anderson has been instrumental in Forest’s surprise push for European qualification, sitting seventh in the table.

Gaspar, speaking exclusively to Nottingham Post ahead of tonight’s clash with Everton, dismissed the Bavarian giants’ overtures with characteristic poise. “Elliot is the heartbeat of our midfield, a player who embodies the hunger and creativity we’re instilling here at Forest,” he said. “We’ve seen interest from Bayern, Manchester United, and others—it’s flattering, but our message is clear: he’s not for sale in January. We’re valuing him north of £100 million, and that’s before considering his international pedigree with England. This club is on the rise; we’re not dismantling it for short-term gain.”

The former Arsenal sporting director, whose appointment in July 2025 has stabilized Forest’s recruitment strategy, pointed to recent sales like Morgan Gibbs-White’s £50 million departure to Chelsea as lessons learned. “We’ve learned to protect our core. Elliot’s contract runs until 2029, and he’s expressed his delight at the project here. Bayern are a powerhouse, but so are we becoming.”

Anderson himself, when pressed post-training, echoed Gaspar’s sentiments with a grin: “I’m loving it at Forest—the fans, the fight. Rumors are just noise; my focus is lifting silverware in red.”

As the January window looms, Forest’s stance could spark a bidding war, but Gaspar’s resolve signals a new era of defiance. For now, the Trentside faithful can breathe easy—their midfield maestro stays put.