England midfielder Elliot Anderson has joined Manchester City from Nottingham Forest on a five-year contract.
Key facts
- •Elliot Anderson signed a five-year contract with Manchester City with an option for a 12-month extension.
- •The transfer fee for the 23-year-old midfielder is £116 million.
- •Anderson made 92 appearances for Nottingham Forest before completing his move to City.
- •Manchester City is scheduled to play Manchester United at Old Trafford on September 13.
- •Average top-end transfer costs in the Premier League have increased from £36.6 million in 2024-25 to £70.5 million in 2026.
Elliot Anderson has finalized a £116 million transfer from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City. The 23-year-old midfielder has signed a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, which includes an option for an additional 12 months. The deal was finalized following Anderson's return from the World Cup, where he helped England secure a third-place finish.
By the numbers
Career Background and Playing Style
Anderson began his career in the youth ranks at Newcastle, where he made 55 first-team appearances, and spent time on loan at Bristol Rovers. He joined Nottingham Forest two years ago in a £35 million deal, playing 92 times for the club. Last season, he earned his first England call-up and became a regular under manager Thomas Tuchel. Describing his own game, Anderson stated he brings quality, physicality, and energy to the pitch. He noted that he grew up idolizing former Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne and expressed that joining the team De Bruyne played for is a special achievement.
Manchester City Ambitions
Upon joining the club, Anderson described Manchester City as "kings of Manchester" and expressed his desire to win trophies with the team. He is expected to join manager Enzo Maresca’s squad for pre-season training next month. Anderson is already looking forward to the Manchester derby, with City scheduled to face Manchester United at Old Trafford on September 13. Director of football Hugo Viana praised the signing, calling Anderson an "outstanding young midfield talent" who has the potential to become a complete player.
Rising Premier League Transfer Fees
The transfer reflects a broader trend of rising costs for elite players in the Premier League. Since Jack Grealish’s £100 million move in 2021, the frequency of £100 million-plus transfers has increased significantly. Recent high-profile moves, including those for Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Sandro Tonali, and Morgan Rogers, have contributed to this shift. Data indicates that average top-end transfer costs have risen from £36.6 million in the 2024-25 period to £70.5 million in 2026.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Sky Sports Football.
