Tuchel stalls £116m Anderson move until after England‑Panama clash

England manager Thomas Tuchel said the £116 million transfer of 23‑year‑old Elliot Anderson to Manchester City will be postponed until after England’s World Cup group match against Panama on Saturday, meaning the deal will not be finalised this weekend in New York.

The agreement with Nottingham Forest was reached earlier this week, setting a record £116 million fee for Manchester City. The sum represents the highest amount the club has paid for a player, according to both clubs.

Anderson is scheduled for a medical in New York City over the weekend. A minor glute injury he sustained this week could affect the timing of the examination.

England’s final group stage fixture at the FIFA World Cup pits the Three Lions against Panama on Saturday. The match is the last of the group stage for England.

When asked about the transfer, Tuchel said, “The reality is that transfers are going on and big transfers take their time.” He added, “We will facilitate the transfer but after the match, not before.”

Director of football Hugo Viana and Manchester City’s hierarchy have completed the necessary paperwork for the deal. Two formal offers were rejected by Nottingham Forest before the current agreement was struck.

Incoming Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca will welcome Anderson as his first signing at the Etihad Stadium. Maresca is also awaiting resolution of compensation talks between his former and upcoming employers.

The postponement is described as temporary, with the structure of the transfer already agreed. An official announcement may follow after England’s Panama game or require a brief further window.