Man City sign Anderson from Forest in record transfer

DARRIAN TRAYNOR / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

England midfielder Elliot Anderson joined Manchester City from fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest on Thursday in a deal reported to be the most expensive transfer for a British player.

The clubs did not disclose financial details, but British media said the total deal was worth up to £116 million pounds ($153 million), surpassing the package of up to £115 million that Real Madrid agreed to pay Borussia Dortmund for Jude Bellingham in 2023.

"Anderson, 23, is currently competing at the FIFA World Cup with England and has completed a medical in Kansas. The formalities of the move will be finalised upon his return to England," City said in a statement.

The move also makes Anderson Manchester City's most expensive transfer, eclipsing the £100 million pounds they spent to buy winger Jack Grealish from Aston Villa in 2021.

Anderson, a product of Newcastle United's academy, joined Forest for £35 million in 2024 and made 92 appearances for them in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing 11 assists.

The midfielder has earned a reputation as a high-energy, tactically sound player, combining defensive solidity with the ability to contribute further up the pitch.

He is particularly known for his relentless work-rate, with strong pressing and ball recovery abilities as well as having a high rate of progressive passing and carrying the ball forward.

He joins a Man City midfield already packed with quality in the shape of Rodri, Nico Gonzalez, Mateo Kovacic, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, Matheus Nunes and fellow Englishman Phil Foden

Man City, who finished runners-up to Arsenal in the Premier League, will begin a new era under former Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca following Pep Guardiola's departure after a hugely successful decade in charge.

More from Sport

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • Afternoons with Helen Farmer

    1:00pm - 4:00pm

    Every weekday afternoon, Helen Farmer will help you to navigate the highs and lows of life in the UAE. Stay up to date with what’s happening and where to go.

  • The Debrief

    4:00pm - 7:00pm

    Join Dane on Dubai Eye 103.8 for The Debrief from 4pm to 7pm, the perfect way to unwind after a busy day at the office.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!