Manchester City sign Elliot Anderson in reported British record deal
British media reported the Nottingham Forest midfielder's move could be worth up to £116 million, more than Jude Bellingham's 2023 transfer package.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
2 min read
Manchester City have signed England midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a deal British media reported could become the costliest transfer involving a British player, Reuters reported. The move adds another major midfield option as City prepare for their first season under Enzo Maresca after Pep Guardiola's departure.
Neither Premier League club announced the fee, Reuters reported. British media put the value of the agreement at up to £116 million ($155 million), just above the package of up to £115 million Real Madrid agreed with Borussia Dortmund for Jude Bellingham in 2023.
City said Anderson, 23, is with England at the FIFA World Cup and completed his medical in Kansas. The club said the remaining paperwork for the transfer will be completed after he returns to England.
Record fee for City
Reuters reported that the transfer would also be Manchester City's biggest purchase. It would pass the £100 million City paid Aston Villa for Jack Grealish in 2021.
Anderson came through Newcastle United's academy before moving to Nottingham Forest for £35 million in 2024, according to Reuters. He made 92 appearances for Forest in all competitions, with six goals and 11 assists.
In the 2025-26 Premier League season, Reuters reported, Anderson recorded four goals and four assists across 38 league appearances for Forest. His performances helped establish him as one of the more closely watched English midfielders in the division.
Midfield role
Reuters described Anderson as a high-energy midfielder with tactical discipline, defensive reliability and the ability to contribute in advanced areas. He is known for his pressing, ball recovery, progressive passing and carrying the ball forward, according to Reuters.
City's midfield already includes Rodri, Nico Gonzalez, Mateo Kovacic, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, Matheus Nunes and Phil Foden, Reuters reported. Anderson's arrival gives Maresca another option in a squad that finished second to Arsenal in the Premier League.
Maresca, the former Chelsea coach, is taking charge after Guardiola ended a highly successful 10-year spell at City, according to Reuters. Anderson's signing is one of the clearest early markers of the club's plans for the new coaching era.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.