Manchester City have completed the signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for a fee of €135 million, the club announced on Thursday. The transfer surpasses the previous record for a British player, previously held by Jude Bellingham’s move from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid (€127 million). Anderson, 23, becomes the most expensive signing in Premier League history, exceeding the fees paid for Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz to Liverpool last summer.
Anderson is currently with the England national team at an unspecified tournament, where he has established himself as a starter. A medical examination was reportedly conducted in Kansas, where the England squad is based. The midfielder has 13 international caps for England and featured in 50 matches across all competitions for Nottingham Forest last season.
The move represents a significant investment by Manchester City under their new manager, Enzo Maresca, who was appointed earlier this week following the departure of Pep Guardiola. Maresca will be hoping Anderson can bolster City’s midfield options as they look to continue their dominance in English football. Forest, meanwhile, will reinvest the substantial fee received from the sale.
Anderson joined Nottingham Forest from Newcastle United in 2022, quickly becoming a key player for the club. His performances have attracted attention from several top clubs, but Manchester City were able to secure his signature with a record-breaking bid. The transfer highlights the financial power of the Premier League and the increasing demand for talented English midfielders. This deal signals City’s intent to remain competitive at the highest level and build upon their recent successes under Maresca’s leadership. The significant fee suggests the club views Anderson as a long-term solution in midfield and a crucial component of their future plans.
