Manchester City have agreed a deal worth £116 million to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, making the 23-year-old the most expensive British player in football history. The fee surpasses the £105 million Arsenal paid for Declan Rice in 2023.
Anderson will complete the move after his participation at the 2026 World Cup concludes. It is a statement signing from City as they enter the post-Pep Guardiola era under new head coach Enzo Maresca.
How Anderson Became a Record-Breaking Player
Anderson joined Nottingham Forest from Newcastle United in 2024 for £35 million. In two seasons at the City Ground, he developed into one of the Premier League’s most complete central midfielders.
During the 2025-26 campaign, Anderson recorded more touches than any other Premier League player — 3,300 in total. He also led the division in duels won (298), possessions won (306) and fouls won (80).
Those numbers show a midfielder who is constantly involved in every phase of play. He does not just recycle possession. Anderson led all central midfielders in completed passes (2,038) and line-breaking passes (376), consistently looking to play through defensive lines and push his team forward.
The Physical Profile City Wanted
Beyond technical quality, Anderson’s physical output stood out. He covered 411 kilometres across the Premier League season — second only to Everton’s James Garner. His 1,895 high-intensity pressures ranked second among midfielders.
Anderson started 37 of Forest’s 38 league matches. His only absence came when the club rotated heavily before a Europa League semi-final against Aston Villa. In modern football, availability is one of the most valuable traits a player can have. Anderson delivered it consistently.
What Anderson Brings to Manchester City
Under Maresca, Chelsea’s midfield was built around aggressive ball recovery and quick transitions forward. Moises Caicedo served as the defensive anchor while Enzo Fernandez played higher up the pitch, pressing relentlessly.
Anderson fits that system perfectly. His ball-winning numbers compare favourably with Caicedo’s, while his progressive passing and creative output mirror what Fernandez offered. During the 2025-26 season, Anderson generated four goals, four assists, 54 chances created and 4.8 expected assists — leading Forest in both categories.
He is expected to replace the departed Bernardo Silva and partner Rodri in central midfield. However, with Rodri reportedly set for surgery after the World Cup, Anderson may need to adapt quickly to different midfield partnerships.
Why Forest Are Letting Him Go
For Nottingham Forest, losing Anderson is painful but financially significant. The £116 million fee smashes their previous record sale — Anthony Elanga’s £55 million move to Newcastle in 2025.
Forest plan to reinvest by signing two midfielders: a deep-lying playmaker and a number eight. Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi and Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall are both targets.
Anderson made 94 appearances for Forest across all competitions, scoring six goals. His influence extended well beyond statistics. After his mother Helen passed away in April, the outpouring of emotion from teammates and supporters showed how deeply valued he was at the club.
What to Watch
Anderson becomes City’s first major signing of the Maresca era. The £116 million price tag carries enormous expectations, but the data suggests City have bought a player capable of influencing every phase of a match.
The challenge will be translating those numbers into a team that dominates possession every week rather than playing the transitional football Forest employed. If Anderson can maintain his Forest level at the Etihad, the record fee may soon look like a bargain.
Keep an eye on how Maresca uses him in pre-season. Anderson’s versatility — winning the ball, progressing it, and creating chances — gives City a midfield option they have not had since the peak of the Guardiola years.
