Manchester City’s midfield overhaul hinges on £116m Anderson signing

Manchester City face a midfield void with Bernardo Silva set to leave for Real Madrid on July 1, and new boss Enzo Maresca will inherit a squad lacking a deep‑lying playmaker. The signing of Elliot Anderson is positioned to fill that gap as the club reshapes its core.

The transfer fee is an upfront £116 million to Nottingham Forest, with no add‑ons attached. Anderson will sign a five‑year contract that includes an option for a further twelve months.

Personal terms include a weekly salary of around £300,000 plus bonuses. The agreement was negotiated between Etihad Stadium director of football Hugo Viana and Anderson’s representatives.

England manager Thomas Tuchel previously said he would allow the move after the Panama fixture, insisting the transfer should not distract the national side during the group stage. His pledge aligns with the plan to finalise the deal once the World Cup group phase ends.

Anderson’s medical in Kansas represents the final significant hurdle before the announcement can be made. Passing the examination the transaction is now a matter of paperwork rather than principle.

At £116 million, the deal eclipses the £100 million Manchester City paid for Jack Grealish in 2021, making Anderson the club’s most expensive signing to date. The record fee underscores City’s intent to rebuild under Maresca.

The completion is scheduled before England’s Round of 32 match against DR Congo on Wednesday, though the exact timing of the public reveal remains uncertain. City continue to pursue additional targets in midfield, full‑back and attack before the transfer window closes.