Manchester City have landed one of the biggest names on the market, bringing in England midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a deal that reportedly reaches 116 million pounds, or $155 million. The move instantly resets the club’s transfer record and throws a spotlight on how aggressively City are shaping their next chapter.
The 23-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-year contract, and the price tag says everything about how highly he is rated. City’s previous record, the 100 million pounds spent on Jack Grealish in 2021, has now been pushed aside by a fee that sits near the top of Premier League history.
Anderson did not hide his excitement about the switch, saying City’s size, talent and ambition made the decision obvious once the club came calling. “City are one of the biggest clubs in the world and the squad they have is amazing — so strong in every position. As soon as I knew they wanted me, I was absolutely determined to make this move happen,” Anderson said. “As a footballer, you want to test yourself at the highest level. Being at City means I have that opportunity.”
The transfer also marks a fresh start for City after a major coaching change. With Pep Guardiola gone at the end of last season, the club is now entering a new era under former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, and Anderson is the first major addition to that setup.
City director of football Hugo Viana made it clear the club sees Anderson as more than a headline signing. “Elliot is one of the outstanding young midfield talents in world football right now. He offers energy, outstanding work rate and an exceptional range of passing,” Viana said. “His improvement in recent years has been really impressive and underlines his desire to be the best player he can be.
“At just 23, there is plenty of opportunity for development over the coming years and we feel he can become a complete midfielder. Manchester City is the best place for him to develop his game and keep improving, we are glad that he sees things the same way as we do.”
Anderson’s rise has been steady, but fast enough to turn heads across English football. He started out at Newcastle, moved to Forest in 2024, and used that platform to force his way into the England picture.
That progress paid off again on the international stage, where he became a key part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad that earned bronze at the World Cup. For a player still only 23, the resume is already stacked with pressure, promise and plenty of expectation.
Anderson sounded ready for the challenge, saying he plans to settle in quickly and fight for his place. “As soon as I arrive in Manchester after a break, I will be doing everything I can to establish myself in the City team,” he said. “It’s a club built to win trophies and compete at the very top of the game. That is exciting for any footballer.”
The transfer market keeps moving at a wild pace, and City’s splash comes just as Chelsea made their own giant statement. England forward Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea earlier this week in a deal reported to be worth 117 million pounds, setting a new British transfer record.
