Manchester City confirms £116m deal for Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest
Manchester City has confirmed the signing of midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a deal valued at £116m. The 23-year-old has agreed to a five-year contract, which will keep him at the club until June 2031. Anderson expressed his determination to join City, stating that he wanted to test himself at the highest level.
The transfer fee for Anderson was initially set to be a record for a British player, but it was later surpassed by Morgan Rogers‘ £117m move from Aston Villa to Chelsea. Anderson’s move to City was first agreed upon during his participation in the World Cup with England, with an agreement reached between Forest and City on the eve of England’s Group L game against Panama.
Anderson’s Impact and Aspirations
Anderson joined Forest from Newcastle United in 2024 for £35m. During his time at Forest, he became a key player, contributing to the club’s seventh-place finish in the Premier League and their first qualification for European competition in 30 years. Last season, he helped Forest reach the Europa League semi-finals and led the Premier League in touches and duels won. He also featured in every game for Thomas Tuchel‘s England side at the World Cup.
Upon his arrival, Anderson described City as the “kings of Manchester” and highlighted his desire to be part of a team that consistently wins trophies. He noted City’s dominance over the past 10 to 12 years as a key reason for his decision to join. Anderson is taking a three-week break following his World Cup commitments but is looking forward to playing for City, particularly mentioning the first Manchester derby of the new season on 13 September as a standout fixture.
Hugo Viana, City’s director of football, praised Anderson as one of the world’s outstanding young midfield talents. Viana highlighted Anderson’s energy, work rate, and exceptional passing range, noting his impressive improvement in recent years. He believes that at 23, Anderson has significant potential for further development to become a complete midfielder.
New Leadership and Player Style
Anderson will be playing under former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, who took over as City manager in June after Pep Guardiola stepped down following 10 years in charge. Anderson expressed his anticipation for working with Maresca, having heard positive feedback from players who worked with him at Chelsea. He also mentioned that he likes to play with intensity and energy, aiming to excite the fans.
Anderson’s England debut occurred last September in a 2-0 victory against Andorra. He believes he has much more to achieve in his career, stating, “I’m only 23, so I’ve got plenty of time to get to my best levels and I definitely think I’m not there yet.” He also cited Kevin De Bruyne, who departed City two summers ago, as an idol, having always wanted to play like him since his academy days at Newcastle.
Anderson’s time on loan at Bristol Rovers in 2022 earned him the nickname “Geordie Maradona” among supporters, a moniker he says gives him confidence. Reflecting on the World Cup, he found it personally enjoyable despite the team’s disappointment, feeling he performed well. The deal was finalised this week after Anderson’s return from the World Cup.
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Source: bbc.com
Isla Hartley is a Sports Reporter at NewsUK. She covered the British summer of sport from Wimbledon to the Test grounds. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sports Studies from the University of Stirling and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Glasgow, she runs half-marathons and follows Scottish athletics. “The overlooked athlete usually has the better story.”
