England head coach Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Elliot Anderson‘s highly anticipated transfer to Manchester City will not be formally completed until after the Three Lions conclude their FIFA World Cup group-stage campaign.
The Nottingham Forest midfielder is on the brink of sealing a record-breaking £116 million move to the Etihad Stadium after both clubs reached an agreement earlier this week.
The deal would represent the largest transfer fee ever paid by Manchester City and ranks among the most significant transactions in Premier League history.
Anderson, 23, has emerged as one of England’s most influential midfielders and is currently part of Tuchel’s squad at the World Cup in North America.
Despite progress on the transfer, England’s preparations for Saturday’s crucial group-stage encounter with Panama have taken priority.
The midfielder is expected to undergo medical examinations in New York during the weekend, a process that has been arranged around England’s tournament commitments.
He is also being monitored after sustaining a minor glute injury earlier this week, although there are no indications that the issue will affect the proposed transfer.
While the framework of the deal has already been finalised, official confirmation will now have to wait.
Tuchel had previously suggested he would be willing to accommodate transfer activity involving his players during the competition, but the German has now made it clear that Anderson’s move will not be completed before England’s final group fixture.
The decision highlights the balancing act faced by national team managers during major international tournaments, particularly when high-profile players become involved in major transfer negotiations.
Tuchel insists focus must remain on World Cup campaign
Speaking ahead of England’s meeting with Panama, Tuchel was asked directly about Anderson’s imminent move to Manchester City and whether the transfer would be completed during the tournament.
The England manager reiterated that while the Football Association would cooperate with the necessary arrangements, his immediate focus remains on England’s World Cup objectives.
“The reality is that transfers are going on and big transfers take their time,” said the German coach.
“We understand things are going on. We will facilitate the transfer but after the match, not before.”
Those comments effectively place a temporary pause on the formal completion of the transfer, even though negotiations between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest have already reached a successful conclusion.
City’s recruitment team, led by director of football Hugo Viana, have spent several weeks working on the deal.
The club reportedly saw two bids turned down before finally reaching an agreement that satisfied Forest’s valuation of one of their most prized assets.
The transfer has attracted significant attention across English football, not only because of the financial scale involved but also because of Anderson’s rapid rise over recent seasons.
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His performances for Forest established him as one of the Premier League’s most sought-after midfielders and eventually convinced City to make a decisive move.
Record deal edges closer to completion
Although the final paperwork has been delayed, there remains widespread confidence that Anderson will become a Manchester City player once England’s group-stage commitments are completed.
The transfer is expected to mark the beginning of a new era at the Etihad Stadium.
Incoming manager Enzo Maresca is preparing to take charge following the departure of former City boss Pep Guardiola, and Anderson is widely expected to become the Italian’s first major signing.
Maresca views the England international as a key addition to his midfield options and a player capable of playing a central role in the club’s future plans.
The move also signals City’s continued willingness to invest heavily in elite young talent despite no longer holding the status of Premier League champions.
