Manchester: Elliot Anderson joins City in £116m move from Nottingham Forest
Elliot Anderson has completed his transfer to Manchester City from Nottingham Forest in a deal valued at £116m. The midfielder has signed a five-year contract with an option for an additional 12 months at the Etihad Stadium. This move follows his participation in the World Cup, where he helped England secure a third-place finish.
Anderson expressed his excitement about joining what he described as “one of the biggest clubs in the world.” He highlighted his ambition to win trophies, stating that Manchester City is a club built for success and to compete at the highest level. The 23-year-old midfielder noted the club’s dominance over the past 10 to 12 years as a key reason for his decision to join.
Anderson’s Ambitions and Derby Remarks
The midfielder is already looking forward to the Manchester derby, with City scheduled to face Manchester United at Old Trafford on September 13. Anderson, who was reportedly a target for Manchester United this summer, declared Manchester City the “kings of Manchester.” He anticipates a significant fixture and is eager to be involved in such a prominent match.
Anderson believes he brings a variety of attributes to the team, including quality, physicality, and energy. He hopes to excite the fans and contribute dynamically to the squad. Despite his achievements, Anderson feels he has more to offer, stating, “I’m only 23, so I’ve got plenty of time to get to my best levels. I’m definitely not there yet and there’s more to come from me.”
His admiration for former City star Kevin De Bruyne was also noted, with Anderson stating he grew up idolising the player and always aspired to play like him. He described being part of the team De Bruyne played for as “so special.”
Career Trajectory and Transfer Context
Anderson’s career began in the youth ranks at Newcastle, where he made 55 first-team appearances. He also had a successful loan spell at Bristol Rovers, earning the nickname ‘Geordie Maradona.’ He moved to Nottingham Forest two years ago in a £35m deal, playing 92 times for the club. During his time at Forest, he earned his first England call-up and became an integral part of Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Last season, Anderson was a key player for Forest, helping them finish seventh in the Premier League and qualify for Europe for the first time in 30 years. He also played a crucial role in Forest’s run to the Europa League semi-finals and led the Premier League in touches and duels won. He featured in every game for England at the World Cup.
The deal for Anderson was initially agreed earlier this month but was finalised this week after his return from the World Cup. Manchester City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, described Anderson as “one of the outstanding young midfield talents in world football.” Viana highlighted Anderson’s energy, work rate, and exceptional passing range, adding that he believes Anderson can develop into a complete midfielder.
Anderson’s transfer fee of £116m represents a club record for Manchester City, surpassing the £100m spent on Jack Grealish in 2021. This transfer is part of a broader trend of increasing fees for top-end players in the Premier League. The average cost for premium players has reportedly doubled over the past decade, with a clear acceleration observed in the last three years.
Recent major transfers include Florian Wirtz for £116.5m and Alexander Isak for £125m to Liverpool, as well as Sandro Tonali for £100m and Morgan Rogers for £117m. The average top-end transfer cost has risen from £36.6m in 2024-25 to £70.5m in 2026. Anderson is now enjoying a summer break and is expected to join new manager Enzo Maresca’s squad for pre-season training next month.
Anderson’s move marks City’s first major signing since Enzo Maresca took over as manager, succeeding Pep Guardiola.
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Source: skysports.com
