Manchester City have reached an agreement with Nottingham Forest to sign England midfielder Elliot Anderson for a transfer fee reported up to £130 million, setting a new British record [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. The fee surpasses Liverpool's £125 million signing of Alexander Isak last summer and exceeds City's previous club record of £100 million paid for Jack Grealish in 2021 [1, 8, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7].
Anderson, 23, who is currently part of England's World Cup squad, is expected to undergo his medical in the United States while on international duty before finalizing the transfer [1, 3, 7]. England will play Panama in their final Group L World Cup match in New Jersey on June 28, where Anderson is likely to feature [1, 8, 2, 9, 4, 5, 6, 7].
The midfielder joined Nottingham Forest in 2024 from Newcastle United for a fee reported between £30 million and £35 million, though some sources cite a complex deal effectively valuing him at £15 million [1, 8, 2, 3, 9, 4, 5, 10]. He made between 88 and 92 appearances for Forest, scoring 4 to 6 goals and providing 11 assists [1, 8, 2, 9, 4, 5, 10].
England manager Thomas Tuchel described Anderson as "the full package" and a key player, praising his humility, determination, and hunger for success [2, 6]. Former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe called Anderson's sale "the most reluctant transfer" in his career, reflecting the player's high quality [3].
Manchester City will enter a new era under manager Enzo Maresca following Pep Guardiola's departure, and Ilkay Gündogan called Anderson "a great addition" known for his team-player attributes and consistent performances [8, 9, 7, 11].
Nottingham Forest are reportedly interested in signing Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall to replace Anderson [1, 3]. Newcastle will not benefit financially from the transfer due to Premier League regulations [3].
Manchester City and Nottingham Forest agreed the deal on June 25, with some sources citing an initial fee of £116 million that could rise to £130 million with add-ons [8, 2, 3, 9, 4, 5, 7]. Chinese media confirmed the agreement on June 26 while noting Anderson's ongoing World Cup campaign [6].
