Manchester City are reportedly planning a major move to strengthen their midfield ahead of next summer, with Pep Guardiola targeting one of the Premier League’s fastest-rising stars. The reigning champions are expected to undergo a period of transition, with several key players linked with exits, prompting Guardiola to prepare for a significant reshaping of his squad.
Manchester City could face the loss of some of their most influential figures at the end of the current campaign. Club captain Bernardo Silva is among those expected to leave, as reports suggest the Portuguese midfielder is seriously considering a return to Benfica, the club where he began his football journey.
Having been a mainstay in City’s success under Guardiola, Silva’s departure would mark the end of an era and create a void in the heart of midfield that will need careful replacement.
Another name causing concern at the Etihad is Rodri. The Spanish midfielder, who has been one of City’s most consistent performers in recent years, has endured a challenging season battling persistent injuries.
His situation has reportedly caught the attention of Real Madrid, who are said to be monitoring his recovery and potential availability. Losing both Rodri and Bernardo Silva in one window would be a significant blow for Guardiola, forcing City to act quickly in the transfer market to avoid a drop in quality or depth.
According to a report from The Express, Man City are planning to sign Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson. The Sky Blues are preparing a £75 million bid for the midfielder, whose rapid rise has made him one of the league’s standout young talents.
The move, however, won’t be straightforward. Chelsea are also reportedly interested, setting up what could be a fierce transfer battle between the two top-flight giants.
Elliot Anderson’s Rise Catches Guardiola’s Attention
Elliot Anderson’s trajectory over the past year has been nothing short of remarkable. The 22-year-old made a surprise switch from Newcastle United to Nottingham Forest in 2024, where he has since established himself as one of the most influential midfielders in the Premier League.
Known for his exceptional strength, close control, and composure under pressure, Anderson has quickly become a key figure in Forest’s midfield, contributing both defensively and creatively.
Pep Guardiola is understood to have been tracking the English midfielder’s development closely throughout the season. The City boss has been particularly impressed by Anderson’s ability to dominate games with his physical presence and tactical intelligence — qualities that would make him an ideal fit for City’s style of play.
Guardiola has long been an admirer of technically gifted midfielders who can transition seamlessly between attack and defence, and Anderson appears to fit that mould perfectly.
Anderson’s rise has not gone unnoticed at the international level either. His performances earned him a first senior England call-up in August, and since then, national team manager Thomas Tuchel has handed him three additional caps.
The midfielder’s maturity on the international stage has only strengthened his reputation, and many analysts now consider him a near certainty for a place in England’s World Cup squad next summer.
However, while Anderson’s career continues to ascend, uncertainty looms over where he will play his club football next season. Nottingham Forest are determined to keep hold of their prized asset, but a £75 million offer from Manchester City would represent a record-breaking fee for the club and could be too substantial to turn down.
Former Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo repeatedly praised Anderson’s work ethic and influence, describing him as “a player who leads by example both on and off the pitch.” Yet he may soon face the difficult task of preparing for life without him.
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For Anderson himself, the potential move presents both opportunity and challenge. Joining Manchester City would mean competing for a place among some of the best players in world football, under a manager renowned for extracting maximum potential from his squad.
It would also provide the platform for Anderson to further develop his technical and tactical skills in an environment built around possession and precision. But it could also come with the risk of limited playing time, especially for a young player still carving out his identity at the highest level.
