Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson set for Manchester City move
Anderson’s move to Manchester City
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, who is 23, is expected to undergo a medical examination before finalising his move to the Etihad Stadium.
Sources close to Manchester City confirm the fee for Anderson stands at £116m, with no additional bonuses. However, other reports suggest the total value of the deal could reach up to £130m, which would establish a new British transfer record, surpassing the £125m Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak from Newcastle last summer.
Nottingham Forest had previously rejected two offers from Manchester City for Anderson, holding out for a higher valuation. The agreement was reached after Manchester City submitted a third bid. Personal terms are not anticipated to pose any obstacles, with confidence that the transfer would eventually be completed.
Anderson is currently with the England squad, preparing for their final Group L match against Panama at the World Cup. He has stated his focus remains on his international duties, putting his club future aside for the moment. “It’s pretty easy really, I’m just focusing on the present, I’m blocking it all out,” Anderson said. “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’s career trajectory
Anderson joined Nottingham Forest from Newcastle in 2024 for £35m. During his two seasons at the City Ground, he made 88 appearances and scored four goals. He played a key role in Forest’s performance, helping them secure a seventh-place finish in the Premier League in the 2024-25 season. The club also reached the semi-finals of the Europa League in the following season.
His move to Forest from his boyhood club, Newcastle, was reportedly influenced by Newcastle’s concerns over breaching profit and sustainability rules. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe described Anderson’s sale as “the most reluctant in my career,” highlighting the player’s quality and the difficult circumstances surrounding his departure.
Anderson’s impact at Forest was significant, particularly 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.
Initially a Scotland youth international, Anderson switched to England’s under-21s in August 2024 before making his senior debut for England in September 2025. His consistent performances at club level brought him to the attention of the national team, and he has since become a regular in Thomas Tuchel’s England side, earning 11 caps. He started in England’s first two World Cup matches against Croatia and Ghana.
Following Anderson’s impending departure, Nottingham Forest are reportedly looking to strengthen their midfield. They are interested in signing Lucas Bergvall from Tottenham and Davide Frattesi of Inter Milan, with expectations of bringing in two new midfielders this summer. Talks have reportedly taken place regarding a potential £45m move for Bergvall, although the Sweden international is expected to attract interest from other clubs.
Anderson’s journey began at Newcastle, where he joined at the age of eight and made his first-team debut in 2021. He made 55 appearances for Newcastle before his transfer to Forest. His rise in professional football has been notable since his successful loan spell at Bristol Rovers in the 2021-22 season.
The midfielder scored against his former club, Newcastle, in his final match for Forest last month. This record-breaking transfer marks a significant development for both clubs involved, with Manchester City securing a key target and Nottingham Forest preparing to reinvest the funds from the sale of their influential midfielder.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
Reuben Castle is the Sports News Writer at News GB, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with six years of reporting experience. He moved from print into digital sport news. He holds a degree in Journalism from Coventry University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Coventry, he follows the Open Championship and amateur boxing. “Accuracy first; the analysis can follow.”
