Manchester City have confirmed the £116million signing of England midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
The 23-year-old has completed his move to the Etihad Stadium on a five-year contract, committing his future to City until the summer of 2031, and becomes the second most expensive British footballer in history.
When the deal was agreed on July 2, Anderson appeared set to become the costliest British player of all time, narrowly surpassing the £115m fee Real Madrid paid to sign Jude Bellingham in June 2023.
But in the intervening period, Chelsea sealed a £117m move for fellow England international Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, leaving Anderson as the British transfer record holder that never quite was.
City’s latest high-profile arrival quickly endeared himself to his new supporters by taking aim at local rivals Manchester United, describing his new club as the “Kings of Manchester”. During Anderson’s lifetime, City have won more silverware than United, lifting 26 trophies to United’s 24 since 2002 when including the Community Shield.
“It’s one of the biggest derbies in the world and for as long as I’ve known Manchester, City have been the Kings of Manchester,” Anderson said. “It’ll be a great fixture, and I can’t wait to be involved in something like that.”
Newcastle, who sold Anderson to Nottingham Forest for £35m in 2024 for PSR reasons, will not receive any additional windfall from the transfer because they did not include a sell-on clause. As a result, Forest are in line to bank an £81m profit on the midfielder.
Elliot Anderson signs his five-year contract with Manchester City
Anderson will take some time to rest after a marathon seven-week World Cup before joining Manchester City training in three weeks
Anderson won bronze with England at the World Cup
The deal contains no add-ons, with £117m representing the full transfer fee.
Anderson won the Under-21 European Championship with England last June before leaping up to Thomas Tuchel’s senior side for the first international break of last season.
He is now an established England international with 17 caps and featured in all of the Three Lions’ games at this summer’s World Cup.
Anderson turned out 50 times in all competitions for Forest last season, helping them secure Premier League safety and reach the last four of the Europa League.
Anderson said: ‘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.
‘As a footballer, you want to test yourself at the highest level. Being at City means I have that opportunity. From the outside looking in, City are a club that treats its players well and provides the perfect environment to excel. I’m over the moon. I can’t wait to play for this club. I’m really looking forward to it.
‘The success they have had and the way they have played the game in the last 10 to 15 years has been extraordinary. It’s a privilege to be given the chance to be part of that.
‘I think they’re winners, they’re relentless, and that’s the sort of team I want to be a part of – champions and people who win trophies. Over the last 10, 12 years, they’ve dominated, so that’s why I wanted to join. As soon as I arrive in Manchester after a break, I will be doing everything I can to establish myself in the City team.
‘It’s a club built to win trophies and compete at the very top of the game. That is exciting for any footballer. I am so happy to have been given this opportunity, and I am determined to repay the faith City have shown in me.’
Manchester City director of football Hugo Viana labelled Anderson ‘one of the outstanding young midfield talents in world football right now’
Anderson had the most touches (3,300), won the most duels (297) and won the most possession (306) across the Premier League last term.
City say Anderson has experience far beyond his age with 174 senior appearances in club football
Anderson added that Enzo Maresca’s intense style of football suits his game and noted that there is plenty of room for improvement.
‘I always believed that I could get to this point and this is where I want to be. Now that I’m here, I’ll keep pushing and try to take this Club forward. I’m only twenty-three, so I’ve got plenty of time to get to my best levels, and I’m not there yet – there’s more to come from me.
‘I’m really looking forward to that (working with Enzo Maresca). I’ve watched his teams over the past couple of years and spoke to a few of the lads from Chelsea and they all rate him very highly.
‘I’m really looking forward to getting to work with him. I like to be intense when I play and use lots of energy around the pitch and get the fans going. So, I think that’ll be good.’
Manchester City’s director of football Hugo Viana said: ‘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.
‘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. I look forward to seeing Elliot working with us ahead of the new season. I’m sure every City fan is excited to see what he can do.’
Anderson is set for three weeks off before joining up with Maresca’s side at the end of pre-season.
