Manchester City have confirmed an agreement with Nottingham Forest for the signing of England midfielder Elliot Anderson, with the 23-year-old completing his medical while on FIFA World Cup duty in the United States ahead of a reported £116 million move plus add-ons.
The club released an official statement to announce the transfer of the former Newcastle United midfielder. “Manchester City and Nottingham Forest have reached an agreement for the transfer of Elliot Anderson.“
The nine-time Premier League champions announced that Anderson underwent his medical in Kansas, where England are currently based during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Anderson, 23, is currently competing at the FIFA World Cup with England where he completed his mandatory medical checkup ahead of the move, and City confirmed that “the formalities of the move will be finalised upon his return to England.”
The club concluded by wishing the midfielder well for the remainder of England’s World Cup campaign, stating: “In the meantime, everyone at Manchester City wishes Elliot and the England squad the very best of luck in their World Cup campaign and we look forward to welcoming him to Manchester in due course.”
Record-Breaking Move
The deal, reportedly worth around £116 million, makes Anderson the most expensive signing in Manchester City’s history and the biggest transfer fee ever involving an English player. The fee comfortably surpasses the club’s previous record of £100 million paid for Jack Grealish from Aston Villa in 2021 while also exceeding what Premier League champions, Arsenal, paid to West Ham United for Declan Rice in 2023.
The transfer also represents remarkable business for Nottingham Forest, who signed Anderson from Newcastle United in the summer of 2024 for a fee reported in the region of £35 million. In just two seasons at the City Ground, the midfielder developed into one of the Premier League’s standout performers, with Forest more than tripling their investment.
Anderson was instrumental in Forest’s impressive 2024/25 campaign, missing just one league match. Across all competitions last season, he featured more than 50 times, contributing four goals and five assists while establishing himself as one of the league’s most complete midfielders.
Comfortable operating as a holding midfielder, box-to-box midfielder or attacking midfielder, Anderson earned praise for his composure in possession, relentless pressing and ability to progress the ball through midfield. His consistent displays also helped him cement a place in England’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
First Signing of the Enzo Maresca Era
Anderson’s arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter at Manchester City under Enzo Maresca, who takes charge following Pep Guardiola’s departure after an extraordinary decade at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola transformed City into one of England’s dominant clubs, winning six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental trophy during his ten-year reign.
Maresca, who previously served as Guardiola’s assistant before enjoying managerial success elsewhere at Chelsea, has identified Anderson as his first signing as he begins reshaping City’s squad. The England international’s tactical intelligence, versatility and technical quality are viewed as ideal attributes for the Italian coach’s possession-based style.
The move also signals City’s commitment to building a younger core capable of sustaining success domestically and in Europe for years to come.
Anderson Ready for the Next Step
Born in Whitley Bay, Anderson progressed through Newcastle United’s academy before making his senior debut in 2021. Following loan spells and gradual first-team exposure, he completed a move to Nottingham Forest in 2024 in search of regular football.
That decision proved pivotal. His performances over the past two seasons established him among the Premier League’s elite midfielders, earning widespread recognition for his maturity, work ethic and consistency despite his relatively young age.
With England still pursuing World Cup glory, Anderson’s immediate focus remains on international duty before officially completing his move to Manchester. Once the tournament concludes and the remaining paperwork is signed, he will join his new teammates for the start of the Maresca era.
For Manchester City, securing one of England’s brightest midfield talents represents a significant statement of intent. After a decade defined by Guardiola’s success, the arrival of Elliot Anderson signals the beginning of a new project, with one of the country’s most sought-after players expected to play a central role in the club’s next generation of success.
READ ALSO: MoCDTI Orders Reversal of GDCL Staff Suspension, Directs Workers to Disregard Directive
