Manchester City Agree and Sign Club-Record £116m Deal for England Midfielder Elliot Anderson

Manchester City have reached an agreement and signed Nottingham Forest to sign England midfielder Elliot Anderson in a deal worth £116 million, making him the most expensive signing in the club’s history.

The 23-year-old is expected to undergo a medical before completing his move to the Etihad Stadium, with personal terms not anticipated to present any obstacles.

City sources maintain that the transfer fee is a straight £116 million with no performance-related add-ons. However, other reports suggest the overall package could rise to £130 million, which would surpass Liverpool’s £125 million acquisition of Alexander Isak and become a new British transfer record.

Forest had previously rejected two bids from the Premier League champions, holding out for a higher valuation before City returned with an improved third offer that finally secured an agreement between the clubs.

The transfer comes while Anderson is away with the England national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking earlier this week, the midfielder insisted he had remained fully focused on international duty despite growing speculation over his future.

“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 joined Nottingham Forest from Newcastle United in 2024 for £35 million, a move that came after Newcastle reluctantly sanctioned his sale to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Since arriving at the City Ground, the midfielder has developed into one of the Premier League’s standout performers. He made 88 appearances for Forest, scoring four goals while playing a central role in the club’s seventh-place finish during the 2024-25 campaign and their run to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals the following season.

His influence grew significantly during the 2025-26 season, finishing with the highest number of touches in the Premier League (3,300), while also leading the league for possession wins (306), duels won (297) and fouls won (80). His goal tally also doubled from two to four during the campaign.

Anderson’s rise has been remarkable. Having joined Newcastle’s academy at the age of eight, he progressed through the club’s youth system before making his senior debut in 2021. Although he represented Scotland at youth level, he switched his international allegiance to England’s Under-21 side in 2024 and made his senior England debut a year later.

For Nottingham Forest, Anderson’s departure signals another major change in a busy transfer window. The club is already exploring reinforcements, with Tottenham Hotspur youngster Lucas Bergvall and Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi among the players being considered to strengthen the midfield following the England international’s exit.

If completed, the transfer will represent one of the biggest deals of the summer and underline Manchester City’s determination to reinforce Pep Guardiola’s midfield with one of England’s brightest emerging talents.