Anderson will become the most expensive English player in history when his move to Nottingham Forest becomes official.
Published July 2, 2026
England midfielder Elliott Anderson joined Manchester City from fellow Premier League club Nottingham Forest on Thursday in what is said to be the biggest transfer ever for a British player.
Financial details have not been disclosed by the clubs, but British media have reported that the total deal is worth up to £116 million (about 15.5 billion yen), exceeding the package of up to £115 million that Real Madrid agreed to pay Borussia Dortmund for Jude Bellingham in 2023.
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“Anderson, 23, is currently representing England at the FIFA World Cup and has completed his medical in Kansas. The transfer process will be finalized upon his return to England,” City said in a statement.
The move also makes Anderson Manchester City’s most expensive move, surpassing the £100m he spent to sign winger Jack Grealish from Aston Villa in 2021.
A product of Newcastle United’s academy, Anderson joined Forest in 2024 for £35m and has made 92 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing 11 assists.
The midfielder has earned a reputation as a high-energy, tactically sound player who combines solid defense with the ability to contribute on the pitch.
He is particularly known for his relentless work rate, with strong pressing and ball recovery abilities, as well as high progressive passing and ability to carry the ball forward.
He joins a Man City midfield that is already full of quality players: Rodri, Nico Gonzalez, Mateo Kovacic, Tijani Rejnders, Rayan Cherki, Matheus Nunez and fellow English player Phil Foden.
Man City, who finished runners-up to Arsenal in the Premier League, will enter a new era under former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca following the departure of Josep Guardiola after a highly successful decade.
