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Man City Smash Club Record with £116m Elliot Anderson Signing from Nottingham Forest
Manchester City have completed a blockbuster deal to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for a club-record £116 million, making the 23-year-old England international one of the most expensive British players in history.
The move, confirmed by multiple sources on Saturday, sees City break their previous transfer record as Pep Guardiola continues to refresh his squad ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League campaign.
Deal Breakdown
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Player | Elliot Anderson |
| From | Nottingham Forest |
| To | Manchester City |
| Fee | £116m (club record; could rise to £130m) |
| Age | 23 |
| Position | Central Midfielder |
| National Team | England (at 2026 World Cup) |
| Previous Transfer | £35m from Newcastle to Forest (2024) |
While City insist the base fee is £116m with no add-ons, other sources suggest the package could reach £130m — which would eclipse the British record £125m Liverpool paid Newcastle for Alexander Isak last summer.
Forest had rejected two earlier City bids before accepting the third. The club is now expected to reinvest in midfielders, with Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall and Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi on their radar.
Who Is Elliot Anderson?
Anderson joined Forest from Newcastle for £35m in 2024 and has since made 88 appearances, scoring four goals. Last season, he helped Forest finish 16th in the Premier League while also reaching the Europa League semi-finals.
The midfielder is currently in the United States with the England squad at the 2026 World Cup, where he is preparing for the Three Lions final Group L match against Panama on Saturday. Despite the massive transfer noise, Anderson told BBC Sport:
“It is pretty easy really, I am just focusing on the present, I am blocking it all out. I have got a plan and it is to perform for England.”
What This Means for Man City
City midfield has seen significant turnover. The addition of Anderson — a box-to-box midfielder with Premier League experience and an England cap — adds youth and energy to a unit that has relied heavily on Kevin De Bruyne (who turns 35 next year).
- Ball-carrying ability from deep positions
- Work rate and tactical discipline
- Versatility across central midfield roles
What This Means for Nottingham Forest
Forest lose their star man but gain a massive war chest. With two midfield targets already identified, they are well-positioned to strengthen before the window closes.
FAQ
Is £116m a British transfer record?
Not quite — Liverpool £125m signing of Alexander Isak from Newcastle last summer remains the British record. However, if Anderson deal reaches £130m with bonuses, it would top that figure.
Will Anderson stay at the World Cup?
Yes. The move is agreed but the transfer window opens after the tournament. Anderson remains fully focused on England campaign.
Why did City pay so much?
Homegrown Premier League talent with England international experience commands a premium. At 23, Anderson also has significant resale value.
Who will Forest sign as replacements?
Tottenham Lucas Bergvall (20) and Inter Davide Frattesi (26) are top targets. Forest are expected to bring in at least two midfielders this summer.
Final Verdict
This is a statement signing from Manchester City. The fee is eye-watering, but in today market — especially for a homegrown England international — £116m reflects the premium on proven Premier League talent. For Forest, it is a painful loss but a smart sale. The reinvestment will determine whether this deal works for both sides.
Do you think Anderson is worth the record fee? Share your thoughts below!
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Sources: BBC Sport