Manchester City are on the verge of completing one of the biggest transfers of the summer after reaching an agreement with Nottingham Forest for England midfielder Elliot Anderson in a deal reportedly worth £116 million.
The transfer, if finalized, will become the most expensive signing in Manchester City’s history, surpassing the £100 million they paid Aston Villa for Jack Grealish in 2021. Reports indicate that Anderson has already been granted permission to undergo a medical examination in the United States, where he is currently representing England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The agreement brings to an end months of negotiations between the two Premier League clubs. Manchester City had identified Anderson as one of their priority midfield targets early in the transfer window but initially struggled to convince Nottingham Forest to sell one of their most valuable assets.
Forest rejected several approaches before City returned with an improved offer that reportedly met the club’s valuation. Unlike many modern transfer agreements, the reported £116 million package is believed to be a fixed fee without performance-related add-ons, underlining City’s determination to secure the midfielder’s signature before the new season begins.
The proposed move represents another major statement of intent from Manchester City as they prepare for a new chapter under incoming manager Enzo Maresca. Following significant changes within the squad, strengthening the midfield has become one of the club’s top priorities.
City view Anderson as a player capable of combining defensive discipline with progressive attacking qualities. His ability to recover possession, carry the ball through midfield and maintain composure under pressure has made him one of England’s fastest-rising young footballers.
The club also believes Anderson can build a formidable partnership alongside Rodri, providing additional energy and balance in midfield while helping replace the creativity and experience lost following Bernardo Silva’s departure.
For Nottingham Forest, Anderson’s departure would represent both a sporting setback and an extraordinary financial success. The midfielder has become one of the club’s standout performers since arriving from Newcastle United, developing into one of the Premier League’s most consistent central midfielders.
Receiving a fee exceeding £100 million would provide Forest with significant financial flexibility to strengthen several areas of the squad ahead of the new campaign.
Manchester United were previously linked with Anderson but reportedly stepped away from negotiations after Forest made it clear they would only consider offers matching their premium valuation. Manchester City’s persistence ultimately proved decisive as negotiations gathered momentum in recent weeks.
Despite intense speculation surrounding his future, Anderson has remained fully focused on England’s World Cup campaign. The midfielder has started each of England’s opening group matches and has impressed with his mature performances in midfield.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has continued to show confidence in the versatile player, who is expected to play an important role as the Three Lions pursue World Cup success in North America.
Born in Whitley Bay, England, Elliot Anderson began his football journey within Newcastle United’s academy. Widely regarded as one of the club’s brightest youth prospects, he progressed steadily through the development system before making his senior breakthrough.
Seeking regular first-team football, Anderson eventually joined Nottingham Forest, where his career accelerated significantly. Consistent performances against some of the Premier League’s strongest opponents established him as one of England’s emerging midfield stars and attracted interest from several elite European clubs.
One of Anderson’s greatest strengths is his versatility. Comfortable as a central midfielder, defensive midfielder or attacking midfielder, he combines technical ability with relentless work rate. His willingness to press aggressively, recover possession and drive forward with the ball has earned praise from coaches and analysts alike.
At just 23 years of age, Anderson is considered to have enormous room for further development. Manchester City believe he possesses the qualities required to become one of the Premier League’s leading midfielders over the next decade.
The timing of the medical has been carefully arranged to avoid disrupting England’s preparations for their final Group L fixture against Panama. Anderson remains fully committed to international duty before completing the formalities of his transfer.
Should the move be officially confirmed after the World Cup, Anderson will arrive at the Etihad Stadium carrying enormous expectations. Supporters will hope he can quickly adapt to City’s demanding style while helping maintain the club’s pursuit of domestic and European honours.
If completed, the £116 million transfer will not only rewrite Manchester City’s transfer record but also rank among the largest deals in Premier League history. For Anderson, it would represent another remarkable milestone in a career that has developed rapidly from academy prospect to England international and one of the world’s most sought-after midfielders.
