Manchester City have announced the signing of Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest for a club-record fee, a day after the midfielder played a part in England’s victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Elliott Anderson joins Manchester City (Image: (Steph Chambers – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images))
Manchester City have announced that they have reached an agreement with Nottingham Forest to sign Elliott Anderson. City signed the deal with the City Ground club last month and the midfielder received clearance from the FA to undergo a medical in New York last week.
The England star is a club record signing for City, who paid a flat fee of £116 million for the 23-year-old. Anderson has signed a five-year contract at the Etihad, adding depth and quality to their midfield following the departure of Bernardo Silva.
“Manchester City and Nottingham Forest have reached an agreement for the transfer of Elliott Anderson,” City confirmed in a statement.
“Anderson, 23, is currently representing England at the FIFA World Cup and has completed his medical in Kansas. The transfer process will be completed upon his return to England.”
“In the meantime, everyone at Manchester City wishes Elliott and England the best of luck in their World Cup activities and we look forward to welcoming him to Manchester in due course.”
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Anderson had a fantastic year as a Forest player last season, making him one of the hottest players in world football. He attracted interest from various clubs, including Manchester United.
And although United were keen to sign the England international, Old Trafford bosses were unwilling to pay the transfer fee demanded by Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis. And the amount City will pay will exceed the £100m they paid Aston Villa for Jack Grealish in 2021.
Anderson is unlikely to join City’s summer tour of Asia as he is currently involved in the World Cup. This means his debut could come in the Community Shield against Arsenal at Cardiphon’s Principality Stadium on Sunday, August 16th.
The England star is Enzo Maresca’s second summer signing, following the signing of rising star Matthijs Detourbet from sister club Troyes. Anderson is currently in the United States, preparing to face Mexico in the World Cup round of 16 on Monday following Wednesday night’s come-from-behind victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Manager Thomas Tuchel celebrates with Harry Kane, Elliot Anderson and Anthony Gordon after England’s World Cup win over the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Image: (Michael Reaves/Getty Images))
Anderson started in midfield for the Three Lions as Harry Kane saved them from one of the most embarrassing results in their history in the last-32 at Atlanta, scoring two goals in the final 15 minutes to seal a 2-1 win. Asked last week if transfer speculation was getting to him, Anderson replied: “It’s really simple. I’m just focusing on the now and blocking everything out.”
“I have a plan and that is to perform for England. I’m going to put myself in the best position to get over the line and achieve that.”
Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel, who was part of the England squad that won the 2025 European Under-21 Championship, described the midfielder as a “complete package” ahead of the World Cup. He said: “He’s a top player. I can’t say anything more. He’s a complete player. I’m happy that he’s with us at that level and he’s an important player for us.”
Anderson joined Forest from Newcastle United in 2024 for £35m and made 92 appearances, scoring six goals and providing 11 assists. He helped Forest finish seventh in the Premier League in 2024/25, and last season they finished 16th and also reached the Europa League semi-finals.
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