Elliot Anderson Could Become Third-Most Expensive Player as Man City Pursues Nottingham Forest Star

Manchester City is reportedly optimistic about finalizing a deal for Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, despite having two bids turned down.

The 23-year-old midfielder has become a key target for City as they navigate the post-Pep Guardiola era, with Enzo Maresca anticipated to take over as head coach.

While Manchester United remains in the race for Anderson, sources indicate that City is currently leading the pursuit of the England international this summer.

Earlier this month, City’s initial offer of approximately £80 million was rejected. An enhanced bid of £106 million plus £15 million in performance-related bonuses was also turned down.

Reports suggest that Nottingham Forest would consider offers starting at £110 million for Anderson, but the Daily Mail has revealed that the club is now holding out for a total package of up to £130 million to part ways with their star midfielder.

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Anderson Could Set Multiple Transfer Records if He Joins Man City

Forest is reportedly seeking an initial fee of £110 million, along with potential bonuses reaching up to £20 million. They value Anderson similarly to other high-profile transfers like Declan Rice, Moises Caicedo, and Enzo Fernandez, all of whom commanded fees exceeding £100 million.

A total fee of £130 million would establish a new Premier League transfer record, surpassing Liverpool’s previous record of £125 million paid to Newcastle United for striker Alexander Isak last summer.

This move would also position Anderson as the third-most expensive transfer in football history, trailing only Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, who transferred to Paris Saint-Germain for £200 million and £166 million respectively in 2017.

If completed at this price, Anderson would become the most expensive British player ever, surpassing Arsenal’s Rice (£105 million), and would break Jack Grealish’s record (£100 million) as Manchester City’s most expensive signing.

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Reasons Behind Anderson’s High Demand

Manchester City has prioritized acquiring at least one new midfielder this summer following the departure of club legend Bernardo Silva. Additionally, uncertainty surrounds Rodri’s long-term future amid interest from Real Madrid.

Currently preparing for the 2026 World Cup with England, Anderson has received approval from head coach Thomas Tuchel to pursue club transfers during the tournament.

Since joining Nottingham Forest from Newcastle United in 2024, Anderson has emerged as one of the Premier League’s top midfielders. He leads all midfielders in several categories during the 2025-26 season: touches (3,300), possession won (306), fouls won (80), duels won (297), line-breaking passes (376), and successful passes (2,038).

To date, he has made 92 appearances for Forest across all competitions, including 38 Premier League matches last season as they finished 16th and reached the semi-finals of the Europa League.

If Manchester City cannot reach an agreement with Nottingham Forest for Anderson, they may shift their focus to Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, who is also attracting interest from Manchester United and Arsenal.