Manchester City have completed the signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a British-record £116 million deal.
The 23-year-old midfielder has agreed a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, with the option of a further year, after completing his medical while on England duty at World Cup 2026 in Kansas. The remaining formalities will be completed after the tournament.
The transfer surpasses the previous British-record fee and also becomes the biggest signing in Manchester City’s history, eclipsing the £100m they paid for Jack Grealish in 2021.
City land top midfield target
City moved quickly to secure Anderson after identifying him as a key target following Bernardo Silva’s departure.
The midfielder enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Nottingham Forest, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s best all-round performers.
A product of Newcastle United’s academy, Anderson joined Forest in 2024 for £35m before developing into one of England’s brightest midfield talents.
During his two seasons at the City Ground, he made 92 appearances, scoring six goals and providing 11 assists.
“Manchester City and Nottingham Forest have reached an agreement for the transfer of Elliot Anderson,” Man City said in a statement.
“Anderson, 23, is currently competing at the FIFA World Cup with England and has completed a medical in Kansas. The formalities of the move will be finalised upon his return to England.
“In the meantime, everyone at Manchester City wishes Elliot and the England squad the very best of luck in their World Cup campaign and we look forward to welcoming him to Manchester in due course.”
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Anderson focused on World Cup
Anderson has also impressed on the international stage, starting all four of England’s matches at the World Cup so far under Thomas Tuchel, with one assist so far.
The Three Lions recently beat DR Congo to advance to the round of 16, where Anderson and his team-mates will face co-hosts Mexico, who have been in fine form.
For Nottingham Forest, the deal represents a remarkable return on their investment after signing Anderson from Newcastle just two years ago.
City, meanwhile, have landed one of the most sought-after young midfielders in Europe as they begin a new era under head coach Enzo Maresca.
