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, 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 is £116m with no additional bonuses, other reports suggest the deal could be valued at up to £130m. This higher figure would establish a new British record transfer fee, surpassing the £125m paid by Liverpool for striker Alexander Isak last summer.
Nottingham Forest had previously rejected two offers from Manchester City for Anderson, holding out for a higher valuation. Personal terms for the 23-year-old midfielder are not anticipated to be a barrier, 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. He has previously stated his focus remains on his international duties, telling reporters, “It’s pretty easy really, I’m just focusing on the present, I’m blocking it all out. 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 initially 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 significant role in Forest’s seventh-place finish in the Premier League during the 2024-25 season, which also saw them qualify for Europe. The following season, Forest finished 16th in the Premier League and reached the semi-finals of the Europa League.
Anderson began his football journey at his boyhood club, Newcastle, joining them at the age of eight. He made his first-team debut for Newcastle in 2021, going on to make 55 appearances before his transfer to Nottingham Forest. This move was reportedly influenced by Newcastle’s concerns regarding profit and sustainability rules, which could have led to a points deduction.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe described Anderson’s sale as “the most reluctant in my career,” highlighting the quality of the player. Anderson quickly became a regular starter at Forest, contributing to their European qualification in 2024-25.
His international career also saw a shift; after representing Scotland at youth level, he transitioned to England’s under-21s in August 2024, making his senior debut for England in September 2025. He has since become a regular in the national side, earning 11 caps and starting in England’s opening two World Cup matches against Croatia and Ghana.
Anderson’s impact at Forest was particularly notable during the 2025-26 season. He recorded the most touches in the Premier League with 3,300, won possession the most times with 306, won the most duels with 297, and drew the most fouls with 80. His goal tally for the season also doubled from two to four, though his Premier League assists decreased from six to four.
Forest’s midfield plans
With Anderson’s impending departure, Nottingham Forest are reportedly looking to strengthen their midfield. The club is said to be interested in signing Lucas Bergvall from Tottenham, with talks having taken place regarding a potential £45m move. Forest are also reportedly interested in Davide Frattesi of Inter Milan, and are expected to sign two midfielders this summer.
Anderson’s medical is anticipated to take place in the US within the next 24 hours, where he is currently on international duty at the World Cup.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
Leo Ashworth is a Sports News Writer at Latest News UK. He cut his teeth on regional sport before specialising in fast breaking-news writing. He focuses on rugby union, golf and boxing and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Central Lancashire and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Newcastle, he follows the European Tour and boxes at an amateur gym. “Get it right first, then tell readers why it matters.”