Manchester City have reached an agreement with Nottingham Forest for the transfer of midfielder Elliot Anderson. The deal is potentially valued at up to £130m, which could establish a new British record fee. Anderson is expected to undergo a medical examination before finalising his move to the Etihad Stadium.
Sources close to Manchester City suggest the fee for Anderson is closer to £115m, which would represent a club record for them, without additional bonuses. However, other reports indicate the total value of the deal could reach £130m. This figure would surpass the £125m paid by Liverpool for striker Alexander Isak last summer.
Nottingham Forest had previously declined two offers from Manchester City, holding out for a higher valuation for the midfielder. Personal terms are not anticipated to be a hurdle, and there was confidence that the transfer would eventually be completed once Manchester City submitted a third bid.
Anderson’s International Duty and Club History
Anderson, who is 23 years old, is currently with England at the World Cup in the USA. He has started in both of England‘s group stage matches so far. His club future has been a topic of discussion, but Anderson has stated his focus remains on his international commitments.
He is preparing for England‘s final Group L game against Panama, scheduled for Saturday. Discussions are ongoing regarding the timing of his medical, given his involvement in the tournament. England manager Thomas Tuchel described Anderson as the “full package” and expressed confidence that the transfer interest would not distract him.
Anderson joined Nottingham Forest from Newcastle in 2024 for £35m. During his two seasons at the club, he made 88 appearances and scored four goals. He contributed to Forest finishing seventh in the Premier League in the 2024-25 season and reaching the Europa League semi-finals.
His influence at Forest grew significantly 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. He also doubled his goal tally from two to four, though his Premier League assists decreased from six to four.
Impact on Nottingham Forest and Future Plans
Anderson’s departure could lead to significant changes in Nottingham Forest‘s midfield. The club is reportedly interested in signing two central midfielders this summer if the transfer proceeds. Among the players of interest are Tottenham Hotspur‘s Lucas Bergvall and Inter Milan‘s Davide Frattesi.
Nottingham Forest had initially planned to add one midfielder, but with Anderson’s move to Manchester City progressing, they now anticipate bringing in two players for his position. The club has a long-standing interest in Celtic‘s Arne Engels, who they also attempted to sign in January.
Anderson’s journey began at his boyhood club 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, a move that Newcastle manager Eddie Howe described as “the most reluctant in my career” due to profitability and sustainability rules.
Anderson switched from being a Scotland youth international to England‘s under-21s in August 2024, making his senior debut for England in September 2025. He has since earned 11 caps for his country.
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Source: bbc.com
