Manchester City’s planned acquisition of Elliot Anderson for a reported record fee of £116 million has generated significant discussion across English football, and former club captain Ilkay Gundogan has now shared his thoughts on the midfielder’s impending arrival.
The 23-year-old England international is expected to complete his move to the Etihad Stadium in the coming days after being granted permission by England manager Thomas Tuchel to undergo a medical examination in New York.
The transfer would represent one of the most expensive deals in football history and a major statement of intent from City as they continue reshaping their squad following a period of transition.
Anderson’s rise has been one of the standout stories in recent Premier League seasons.
After impressing with Nottingham Forest through a combination of technical quality, tactical intelligence and tireless work ethic, he has established himself as one of the country’s most promising midfielders.
City’s recruitment strategy this summer has focused heavily on building a squad capable of competing at the highest level in a new era following the departure of former manager Pep Guardiola.
Club officials have prioritised players who combine quality on the ball with commitment and intensity away from possession, characteristics Anderson displayed consistently throughout the previous campaign.
Few former players are better positioned to evaluate what is required to succeed in City’s midfield than Gundogan.
During his time at the Etihad Stadium, the German midfielder played a pivotal role in one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, helping City win multiple major honours while becoming one of the dressing room’s most respected leaders.
His experience of operating in City’s demanding midfield system gives added weight to his assessment of Anderson and the qualities he could bring to the club.
Gundogan praises Anderson’s mentality
Speaking during an appearance on ESPN Podcasts, Gundogan was asked whether Anderson fits the profile of player City needed as part of their ongoing rebuilding project.
Rather than focusing on star status or commercial appeal, Gundogan highlighted the player’s commitment to collective success.
“I wouldn’t say he’s a big game, I mean obviously he’s someone that everyone knows but I don’t think they’re signing him as a superstar, they’re signing him as a team player,” the former Manchester City treble-winning captain said.
While some of football’s biggest transfers are driven by global recognition and individual accolades, Anderson’s growing profile has largely been built on consistency, discipline and his willingness to contribute in every phase of the game.
Those attributes have increasingly become valuable commodities in modern football.
Midfielders are expected not only to create chances and dictate possession but also to recover the ball, cover large distances and execute tactical instructions with precision.
For Gundogan, those qualities appear to be central to Anderson’s appeal.
The former City captain also addressed the significant transfer fee attached to the move, acknowledging that the figures involved may seem extraordinary but reflecting on how the Premier League market has evolved in recent years.
“He’s expensive – yes – but this is the Premier League, you know? This is where the best play so it’s quite normal now, I mean these sums are still huge or sound huge but in the end, it’s the market.
“People pay it and they have to pay for certain quality. I’m quite sure the people in Manchester will be very happy; when you watch him play, you feel this is someone who sacrifices everything for the team and that’s what you want as a teammate.”
Why City believe Anderson fits the new project
The decision to invest heavily in Anderson appears closely aligned with the direction City’s hierarchy want to pursue under their current football structure.
Director of football Hugo Viana has overseen recruitment efforts aimed at creating a balanced squad capable of sustaining success over the long term.
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Rather than focusing solely on established superstars, the club has increasingly targeted players entering their peak years who possess both technical ability and strong character traits.
Anderson’s performances for Nottingham Forest suggested he fits that profile perfectly.
For many observers, Anderson represents the modern midfielder: adaptable, energetic and tactically disciplined.
He can contribute in possession, help control the tempo of matches and provide defensive support when required.
Those qualities could prove particularly valuable as City seek to remain among English football’s elite despite entering a new chapter following Guardiola’s departure.
