Manchester City’s incoming manager Enzo Maresca has been backed to get the very best out of Elliot Anderson after the club agreed a £116 million deal with Nottingham Forest for the England midfielder.
The 23-year-old is expected to complete a medical while on World Cup duty with England before finalising what will become the most expensive signing in Manchester City’s history. The deal eclipses the £100 million paid for Jack Grealish in 2021 and represents a record sale for Nottingham Forest.
Former Forest manager Ange Postecoglou believes Anderson is perfectly suited to Maresca’s style of football and insists the midfielder has yet to reach his full potential.
Postecoglou, who worked with Anderson during his spell at the City Ground, said the England international is capable of playing in every midfield role and believes his disciplined performances under Thomas Tuchel at the World Cup have highlighted another side of his game. He also suggested Anderson still has significant room for improvement despite already establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s top midfielders.
The Australian coach believes Maresca will relish working with a player whose tactical intelligence and versatility make him an ideal fit for Manchester City’s possession-based system. Anderson’s ability to operate as a holding midfielder, box-to-box player or advanced playmaker is expected to give City valuable flexibility next season.
Former City captain Ilkay Gundogan has also welcomed the move, describing Anderson as a player who has earned his reputation through consistent performances rather than star status.
The German pointed to Anderson’s outstanding displays for Nottingham Forest last season, including impressive performances against Manchester City, and believes his work ethic and willingness to sacrifice for the team will make him a valuable addition at the Etihad Stadium. Gundogan also argued that the sizeable transfer fee reflects the current Premier League market rather than placing unrealistic expectations on the midfielder.
Anderson arrives following an outstanding campaign in which he became one of Forest’s standout performers. His energy, ball-winning ability and progressive passing helped establish him as a regular in Thomas Tuchel’s England side, where he has started both World Cup group matches.
Manchester City identified Anderson as their primary midfield target following the end of Pep Guardiola’s era, with club officials convinced he possesses the qualities needed to become a central figure under Maresca. Reports suggest the club remained determined to sign him despite seeing two earlier bids rejected by Forest before eventually reaching an agreement.
The transfer also represents a remarkable rise for Anderson, who joined Forest from Newcastle United for £35 million in 2024. Two years later, he leaves the City Ground as one of the world’s most expensive midfielders after emerging as a key player for both club and country.
With Maresca preparing to begin a new era at Manchester City, expectations are high that Anderson can develop even further. Those who have worked closely with him believe his technical ability, versatility and relentless work rate mean his best years are still ahead of him.
