Key facts
- Manchester City has agreed to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million.
- The transfer fee is a record for both Manchester City and a British player.
- Anderson, 23, is an England international currently participating in the World Cup.
- He is expected to sign a five-year contract with an option for an additional year.
- Anderson joined Nottingham Forest in 2023 for £35 million.
Manchester City has agreed to a record-breaking £116 million deal to sign England international midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. The transfer, announced Thursday, will be completed in the coming weeks after Anderson finishes his World Cup duties.
The fee, which is a fixed amount with no add-ons, surpasses City's previous record of £100 million paid for Jack Grealish in 2021 and sets a new benchmark for a British player. Anderson is expected to sign a five-year contract, potentially worth around £300,000 per week with bonuses, with an option for a further 12 months.
Anderson, 23, joined Forest from Newcastle in 2023 for £35 million, a deal that also saw goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos move to Newcastle. Since then, Anderson has made 92 appearances for Forest, playing every league game in the 2025-26 season and contributing four goals and four assists. He has also established himself as a regular for England, starting their World Cup matches.
Nottingham Forest had reportedly been seeking a fee higher than the £125 million British record set by Liverpool's acquisition of Alexander Isak. The substantial profit from Anderson's sale is expected to aid Forest in their pursuit of Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall as a replacement.
Analysts note Anderson's profile as a modern, all-round midfielder, drawing comparisons to players like Declan Rice and Rodri for his efficiency and composure on the ball, as well as his off-the-ball work. His transfer follows a trend of high-value midfield signings by Premier League clubs.