RismadarVoice Reporters, July 2, 2026
Manchester City have completed the signing of England midfielder, Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a British record transfer worth £116 million.
The deal makes the 23-year-old the most expensive British footballer in history, surpassing the £115 million Real Madrid agreed to pay Borussia Dortmund for Jude Bellingham in 2023. It also eclipses the £100 million City spent to sign Jack Grealish, making Anderson the club’s most expensive acquisition.
According to reports, the Premier League champions reached an agreement with Nottingham Forest while Anderson was on international duty with England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The midfielder reportedly underwent a medical examination in Kansas between England’s World Cup matches, with the remaining transfer formalities expected to be completed after the tournament.
Confirming the move, Manchester City said Anderson would officially join the club after concluding his World Cup campaign.
“Manchester City and Nottingham Forest have reached an agreement for the transfer of Elliot Anderson.
“Anderson 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,” the club said in a statement.
The transfer marks the first signing under City’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, who recently succeeded Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.
Anderson has enjoyed a rapid rise since joining Nottingham Forest from Newcastle United for £35 million two years ago.
He featured in 37 Premier League matches last season, scoring four goals and providing four assists while emerging as one of the league’s standout midfielders.
His performances were reflected in impressive statistics, finishing the 2025/26 Premier League season with the highest number of touches (3,300), duels won (298), possessions regained (306), fouls won (80), completed passes (2,038) among central midfielders, and line-breaking passes (376).
The England international also demonstrated his work rate by covering 411 kilometres during the campaign second only to Everton’s James Garner and ranking among the league’s leaders in high-intensity pressing.
Despite Nottingham Forest’s counter-attacking style, Anderson remained influential in attack, creating 54 chances, including nine big chances, while contributing four goals and four assists.
He has continued his impressive form at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, starting all four of England’s matches under head coach Thomas Tuchel.
With Bernardo Silva departing the club this summer and uncertainty surrounding Rodri’s long-term future, Manchester City see Anderson as a key figure in rebuilding their midfield for the future.
