Manchester City are on the verge of completing one of the most significant transfers in football history after reportedly reaching an agreement with Nottingham Forest for midfielder Elliot Anderson.
The England international has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most sought-after midfielders following a standout campaign at the City Ground, attracting interest from several leading clubs across Europe.
City’s pursuit of the 23-year-old has been one of the major stories of the summer transfer window.
While Manchester United were also linked with a move, reports suggested they were unwilling to match the financial demands required to secure the former Newcastle United player.
Negotiations between City and Forest have been ongoing for several weeks. Earlier attempts to sign Anderson were unsuccessful, with Forest rejecting an initial proposal believed to be worth around £80 million.
A second package, reportedly valued at £121 million including performance-related add-ons, also failed to convince the Midlands club to sell.
Despite those setbacks, City remained determined to land their primary midfield target.
Director of football Hugo Viana continued discussions with Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis as both clubs worked to bridge the gap in their respective valuations.
According to reports from journalist David Ornstein, a breakthrough has now been achieved following a revised offer from the Manchester club.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has claimed the total package could rise to £130 million, making Anderson the most expensive signing in British football history.
Should the deal be completed at that figure, it would eclipse the previous British transfer record set when Liverpool signed Alexander Isak for £125 million.
Anderson would also become Manchester City‘s most expensive acquisition, moving ahead of Jack Grealish’s £100 million arrival from Aston Villa.
The proposed transfer would place the midfielder among the most expensive footballers ever signed, with only Neymar and Kylian Mbappe commanding larger fees during their moves to Paris Saint-Germain.
Medical arranged as City move reaches final stages
Reports indicate that Anderson informed Nottingham Forest on Thursday of his desire to pursue the move, paving the way for the final phase of negotiations.
The midfielder is expected to undergo a medical examination in New York on Friday morning, a practical arrangement given the England squad’s presence in the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Personal terms are still to be fully completed, but the expectation is that an agreement will be reached without significant complications.
Once those formalities are concluded, Anderson would become City’s first major arrival of the summer transfer window.
The club’s determination to strengthen in central midfield follows significant changes within the squad.
Veteran midfielder Bernardo Silva has moved on after years of service, leaving a considerable void in the middle of the pitch.
There are also ongoing questions regarding the future of Rodri, who continues to attract attention from Spanish giants Real Madrid.
As a result, reinforcing the midfield has become a priority for City’s recruitment department ahead of the new season.
The move also represents another major step in Anderson’s rapid rise. After joining Nottingham Forest from Newcastle United in 2024 for £35 million, he quickly established himself as one of the league’s most influential midfielders.
In just two seasons, he became a central figure in Forest’s progress, helping the club compete effectively in domestic and European competitions.
During the 2025-26 campaign, Forest secured a 16th-place Premier League finish while also enjoying an impressive run to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals.
Across all competitions, Anderson accumulated 92 appearances for the club, underlining both his durability and growing importance.
The timing of the deal means there remains uncertainty regarding whether the move will be officially announced before England’s final Group L match against Panama on Saturday.
Why Anderson has become City’s priority target
The numbers behind Anderson’s performances help explain why City were prepared to invest such a substantial sum.
During the 2025-26 Premier League season, no midfielder recorded better figures across several major categories.
Anderson led the division for touches, possession recoveries, fouls won, duels won, line-breaking passes and completed passes.
Those statistics highlight a player capable of influencing every phase of the game.
He combines defensive awareness with technical quality and an ability to progress possession through midfield — attributes highly valued by elite clubs.
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City’s recruitment team reportedly viewed Anderson as an ideal addition capable of contributing immediately while also offering long-term value due to his age and continued development potential.
His versatility has further enhanced his reputation. Comfortable operating as a deep-lying midfielder, a box-to-box presence or in a more advanced role, Anderson has demonstrated the tactical flexibility required at the highest level.
The transfer would also signal the beginning of a new chapter at the Etihad Stadium.
Following the departure of Pep Guardiola, City are preparing for a fresh era under expected incoming head coach Enzo Maresca.
Despite the managerial change, Anderson appears convinced by the club’s long-term vision and ambition.
Reports suggest he remains eager to join the former Premier League champions and play a central role in their next phase of development.
