Elliot Anderson, 23, has completed his transfer from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City on a five-year contract running until June 2031 [1, 2, 3, 4]. The £116 million transfer fee set a British record when agreed during the 2026 World Cup, though it was later surpassed by Morgan Rogers' £117 million move to Chelsea [1, 2, 3, 4].
Anderson initially joined Nottingham Forest from Newcastle United in July 2024 for £35 million [1, 2, 3]. Last season, he helped Forest secure a seventh-place finish in the Premier League, qualifying for European competition for the first time in 30 years, and reaching the Europa League semi-finals [1, 2].
He was a key player for England at the 2026 World Cup, playing in every match and helping the team claim third place [1, 2, 3]. Manchester City paid a club record fee for Anderson, surpassing the £100 million spent on Jack Grealish in 2021 [1, 4]. City director of football Hugo Viana called Anderson "one of the outstanding young midfield talents in the world," praising his energy, work rate, and exceptional passing ability [1, 3].
Anderson said he was "absolutely determined to make this move happen," describing Manchester City as "one of the biggest clubs in the world" and "winners who compete at the highest level" [1, 2, 4]. He also praised new City manager Enzo Maresca, who succeeded Pep Guardiola in June 2026, and expressed excitement about joining the club [1, 2, 3].
Speaking on his ambitions, Anderson said, "I'm only twenty-three, so I've got plenty of time to get to my best levels. I can bring quality, physicality and energy to excite the fans and energise the team" [3]. He highlighted the upcoming Manchester derby against Manchester United on September 13, 2026, as a key fixture he looks forward to playing in [2, 3].
After a three-week break following the World Cup, Anderson will join Manchester City's preseason training in August 2026 [2, 3]. The club officially announced his signing on July 23, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4].
