Manchester City have agreed a £116 million deal to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, making the England international the most expensive British player in history.
The 23-year-old will complete the move after the FIFA World Cup, surpassing Declan Rice’s £105 million transfer to Arsenal and becoming City’s record signing.
Why City were willing to spend £116m
Anderson enjoyed a standout 2025-26 Premier League campaign despite Nottingham Forest finishing 16th.
The midfielder led the Premier League in touches (3,300), duels won (298), possessions regained (306) and fouls won (80), highlighting his influence in both attacking and defensive phases.
He also completed more passes than any other central midfielder (2,038) and topped the position for line-breaking passes (376), underlining his ability to progress play rather than simply retain possession.
His consistency was equally impressive, starting 37 of Forest’s 38 league matches while covering 411 kilometres across the season and registering 1,895 high-intensity pressures.
Anderson also contributed four goals, four assists, created 54 chances and produced nine big chances during the campaign.
Forest lose their midfield leader
Since joining Forest from Newcastle United in 2024 for £35 million, Anderson established himself as one of the club’s most influential players.
He made 94 appearances across all competitions, becoming a respected figure both on and off the pitch. His professionalism, work ethic and commitment earned widespread admiration at the City Ground.
Forest are now expected to reinvest the record transfer fee by targeting at least two midfielders. Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi and Tottenham youngster Lucas Bergvall are among the players under consideration.
Perfect fit for Maresca’s system
Anderson will become the first marquee signing of Manchester City’s new era under Enzo Maresca, who recently succeeded Pep Guardiola.
Maresca’s tactical approach relies heavily on midfielders who can recover possession aggressively, progress the ball quickly and sustain relentless intensity without possession.
Those qualities closely match Anderson’s profile. His ability to win the ball, break opposition lines with his passing and maintain exceptional work rate makes him a natural fit for the Italian’s style.
With Bernardo Silva having departed and Rodri expected to undergo surgery after the World Cup, Anderson is likely to assume a central role immediately as City begin life under their new manager.
For City, the record-breaking fee reflects more than just potential—it is an investment in a midfielder they believe can become the cornerstone of the club’s next generation.
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