Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson set for Manchester City record deal
Manchester City have reached an agreement with Nottingham Forest for the transfer of midfielder Elliot Anderson. The deal is reported to be for £116m, which would mark a club record for Manchester City. Anderson, an England international, is expected to undergo a medical examination before finalising his move to the Etihad Stadium.
While Manchester City sources indicate the fee for Anderson is £116m without additional bonuses, other reports suggest the value could reach up to £130m. If the latter figure is accurate, it would establish a new British record transfer fee, surpassing the £125m paid by Liverpool for Alexander Isak last summer. Nottingham Forest had previously rejected two offers from Manchester City for the player, holding out for a higher valuation.
Personal terms are not anticipated to pose an obstacle, with confidence that the transfer would eventually be completed once Manchester City submitted a third bid. Anderson is currently with the England squad, preparing for their final Group L match against Panama at the World Cup on Saturday.
Anderson’s focus on international duty
Despite the ongoing transfer discussions, Anderson has stated his focus remains on his international commitments. He commented on his approach, saying, “It’s pretty easy really, I’m just focusing on the present, I’m blocking it all out.” He added, “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.”
Anderson joined Nottingham Forest from Newcastle in 2024 for £35m. During his time at the club, he made 88 appearances and scored four goals. He played a role in Forest finishing seventh in the Premier League in the 2024-25 season and reaching the Europa League semi-finals in the subsequent season.
His move to Nottingham Forest from his boyhood club Newcastle, where he had made 55 appearances after debuting in 2021, was reportedly influenced by Newcastle’s concerns over profit and sustainability rules. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe described Anderson’s sale as “the most reluctant in my career.”
Impact at Nottingham Forest and international rise
Anderson quickly established himself as a regular starter at Nottingham Forest, contributing to their qualification for European competition in 2024-25. After representing Scotland at youth level, he switched to England’s under-21 team in August 2024, making his senior international debut in September 2025.
His influence at Forest became particularly evident 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 goal tally for the season doubled from two to four, his Premier League assists decreased from six to four.
With Anderson’s anticipated departure, Nottingham Forest are reportedly looking to strengthen their midfield. The club is said to be interested in Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall and Davide Frattesi of Inter Milan, with expectations of signing two new midfielders this summer.
Anderson’s medical is expected to take place in the US within the next 24 hours, where he is on international duty at the World Cup.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
Nathan Crowley is the Sports News Writer at NewsUK, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with six years of reporting experience. He moved from regional newspapers into digital sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Cardiff University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Cardiff, he plays amateur rugby and follows the Six Nations closely. “Speed and accuracy are not a trade-off in sport news.”
