Manchester City have reached an agreement with Nottingham Forest for the transfer of midfielder Elliot Anderson. The deal is reported to be a club record for Manchester City, with varying figures cited for the transfer fee.
Sources from Manchester City indicate the fee for Anderson is £116m, without any additional bonuses. Other reports suggest the deal could be valued at up to £130m, which would surpass the £125m paid by Liverpool for Alexander Isak last summer, making it a British record fee.
Transfer details and player status
Anderson, an England international, is expected to undergo a medical examination before finalising his move to the Etihad Stadium. Personal terms are not anticipated to be a hurdle in the completion of the transfer.
The timing of Anderson’s medical is currently under discussion, as he is with England in the USA for the World Cup. He has started in both of England‘s group stage matches so far and is preparing for their final Group L game against Panama on Saturday. England is well-positioned to advance as group winners.
Anderson commented on his focus during the World Cup, stating, “It’s pretty easy really, I’m just focusing on the present, I’m blocking it all out. I’ve got a plan and it’s to perform for England. I’m putting myself in the best position to cross the line and do that.”
England manager Thomas Tuchel described Anderson as the “full package” during the team’s World Cup preparation camp, expressing confidence that interest from Manchester City would not be a distraction. Tuchel noted Anderson’s strong performance against Costa Rica.
Nottingham Forest had previously rejected two offers from Manchester City for Anderson, holding out for a higher fee. The current agreement was reached after Manchester City submitted a third bid.
Anderson’s career trajectory
Anderson joined his boyhood club Newcastle at the age of eight, making his first-team debut in 2021. He made 55 appearances for Newcastle before his transfer to Nottingham Forest in 2024 for £35m. This move was reportedly influenced by Newcastle‘s concerns regarding profit and sustainability rules.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe described Anderson’s sale as “the most reluctant in my career.”
At Nottingham Forest, Anderson quickly became a regular starter. He made 88 appearances for the club, scoring four goals. He contributed to Forest finishing seventh in the Premier League in the 2024-25 season, which also saw them qualify for Europe. In the subsequent season, Forest finished 16th in the Premier League and reached the semi-finals of the Europa League.
Anderson’s influence at Forest grew during the 2025-26 season. He recorded the most touches in the Premier League with 3,300, won possession 306 times, won 297 duels, and drew 80 fouls. While his Premier League assists decreased from six to four, his goal tally for the season doubled from two to four.
After representing Scotland at youth level, Anderson switched to England‘s under-21 squad in August 2024 and made his senior international debut in September 2025.
Nottingham Forest’s midfield plans
With Anderson’s potential departure, Nottingham Forest are looking to strengthen their midfield. The club is reportedly interested in signing two central midfielders this summer.
Among their targets are Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall and Inter Milan‘s Davide Frattesi. Inter Milan reportedly values Frattesi at around €30m (£25.9m). Forest also maintains a long-standing interest in Celtic‘s Arne Engels, having attempted to sign both Frattesi and Engels in January.
Anderson is currently contracted to Nottingham Forest until 2029.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
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As News-GB's Sports Reporter, Megan Sinclair reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name interviewing rising British talent. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Edinburgh and completed an NCTJ diploma. Megan lives in Edinburgh, where she plays club tennis and follows track athletics. “Give the athletes room and the story tells itself.”