Full Breakdown
Manchester City Secures Record-Breaking Transfer for England Midfielder Elliot Anderson
6/26/2026, 4:22:04 AM
Core Transfer Details
Manchester City have reached an agreement with Nottingham Forest to sign England midfielder Elliot Anderson for a reported £116 million. The fee is a fixed, one-off payment with no add-ons, according to City sources. The move makes Anderson the most expensive English footballer ever and the club’s highest-value signing to date.
Background, Record Context & Financial Terms
The £116 million fee is lower than the overall British record of £125 million paid for Alexander Isak’s move to Liverpool, but it surpasses the previous English-player record set by Jude Bellingham. It also exceeds Manchester City’s prior club record of £100 million for Jack Grealish (2021) and Declan Rice’s £105 million transfer to Arsenal (2023). Anderson himself moved from Newcastle United to Forest for £35 million in 2024. The transfer also follows Forest’s earlier £35 million acquisition of Anderson from Newcastle United, a deal that helped the club navigate Premier League profit-and-loss regulations.
Key Figures & Official Responses
Manchester City sporting director Hugo Viana named Anderson the top target to replace Bernardo Silva, who left for Real Madrid. England manager Thomas Tuchel said he would facilitate summer moves for his World Cup squad. The club also expects former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca to replace Pep Guardiola.
Timeline of Negotiations
- Thursday: Manchester City launched a third bid and secured agreement with Nottingham Forest.
- Friday: Anderson received permission to undergo his medical in New York.
- Saturday: He is expected to feature for England in the World Cup group match against Panama.
Forest’s Opposition to Earlier Bids
Nottingham Forest turned down an initial £85 million offer, then rejected a second proposal of £106 million plus £15 million in add-ons, with owner Evangelos Marinakis insisting on a fee that would set a new British transfer record.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact amount: ESPN and Fabrizio Romano cite a fixed £116 million fee; the Daily Mail reports around £115 million; The Telegraph initially suggested a deal up to £130 million. The variation reflects differing reports from club insiders and media outlets.
Impact
The transfer gives City a marquee English talent, addressing the midfield void left by Bernardo Silva’s departure and fitting the profile expected by incoming manager Enzo Maresca. At £116 million, Anderson becomes the most expensive English footballer ever, surpassing the previous record set by Jude Bellingham, and establishes a new benchmark for domestic transfers in the Premier League. The deal also marks City’s first major acquisition following Pep Guardiola’s departure, underscoring the club’s intent to invest heavily in domestic talent.
What’s Next
Anderson’s medical in New York is scheduled for Friday, with personal terms already agreed. Completion of the transfer is expected within days, after which City will turn attention to additional targets, including a right-back and further midfield options, while finalising the appointment of Maresca as head coach. City’s scouting department will also evaluate right-back options such as Chelsea’s Malo Gusto, alongside potential midfield reinforcements, as the club finalises its summer programme.
