Manchester City pay £116m for Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest

Man City have paid £116 million to sign England international Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, sealing a club‑record transfer. The 23‑year‑old midfielder signed a five‑year contract until the summer of 2031 after completing his medical in Kansas. The deal was agreed after two earlier bids were rejected, and the fee was paid up‑front with no add‑ons.

Executives at the Etihad Stadium identified Anderson as a priority addition to the midfield of new manager Enzo Maresca. The club sees him as a key piece as the Blues move beyond the era of Pep Guardiola. His profile matches the desire for energy and a wide passing range.

Upon signing, Anderson said City are “one of the biggest clubs in the world” and that he is determined to test himself at the highest level. He praised the squad’s strength in every position and the club’s environment for player development. He added he will work to establish himself in the City team.

Director of football Hugo Viana called Anderson “one of the outstanding young midfield talents in world football”. Viana highlighted his energy, work‑rate and exceptional passing range, noting his recent improvement. He said Manchester City is the best place for Anderson to develop into a complete midfielder.

The club has not yet confirmed Anderson’s squad number, noting that his current Nottingham Forest and England No. 8 shirt is occupied at City by Mateo Kovacic. Potential allocation may depend on upcoming outgoings.

Anderson will miss the summer tour matches against Inter, K‑League All Stars and Atletico Madrid, as he is on a three‑week break after the World Cup. His first competitive appearance could come in the FA Community Shield versus Arsenal on 16 August.

Manchester City’s transfer window remains active, with the club reportedly targeting a right‑back, a central midfielder, a winger and a backup goalkeeper. These moves are part of Enzo Maresca and Hugo Viana’s plan to revamp the first‑team squad.

The record transfer gives City a versatile midfielder to bolster their options beyond Pep’s tenure, while Anderson gains a platform to develop at a club that consistently competes for trophies. Both parties view the agreement as a long‑term partnership.