Manchester City have confirmed an agreement to sign England midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a deal worth around £116 million, making him the club’s most expensive signing and the most expensive British footballer in history.
The 23-year-old has already completed his medical while on England duty at the FIFA World Cup in Kansas, with the formal completion of the transfer scheduled for after the tournament. City announced that all contractual details have been agreed and wished Anderson and the England squad success for the remainder of their World Cup campaign.
The transfer marks the beginning of a new chapter at the Etihad Stadium under recently appointed head coach Enzo Maresca, who has identified Anderson as a cornerstone of his midfield rebuild following the departure of Pep Guardiola.
Although early reports suggested the transfer could reach £130 million, the guaranteed package is understood to be approximately £116 million. That fee surpasses Manchester City’s previous transfer record, set when Jack Grealish joined from Aston Villa in 2021, and establishes Anderson as the most expensive British player ever.
Anderson arrives after an outstanding spell with Nottingham Forest, where he developed into one of the Premier League’s leading midfielders following his move from Newcastle United in 2024. During his time at the City Ground, he made 92 appearances and became one of the first names on the team sheet, helping Forest reach the Europa League semi-finals.
His excellent club form has carried onto the international stage. Anderson has started every match for England at the World Cup and has established a strong midfield partnership under Thomas Tuchel, earning widespread praise for his energy, composure and all-round ability.
Manchester City believe those qualities make him an ideal addition to a squad entering a new era. His ability to recover possession, drive forward with the ball and dictate play is expected to strengthen an already formidable midfield as Maresca prepares for his first season in charge.
England now turn their attention to a World Cup last-16 clash against Mexico, where Anderson is expected to retain his place in midfield. Thomas Tuchel still faces a selection decision over who partners him, with Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Kobbie Mainoo all available for the knockout fixture.
For Manchester City, however, one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer is already complete. The arrival of Anderson represents a significant investment in the club’s future and a clear indication of the direction Maresca intends to take as he begins life at the Etihad Stadium.
