Manchester City are on the verge of signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a deal that could surpass the current record for a transfer involving an English player, according to reports from Ben Jacobs and the BBC.
The proposed fee is currently at £116 million, with potential for the total to reach £130 million, which would exceed the £125 million Newcastle United paid for Alexander Isak.
Anderson joined Nottingham Forest in 2024 from Newcastle United and has consistently performed well despite changes in management, having worked under four different managers in two seasons. He is described as a versatile midfielder, capable of playing as a number six, eight, or ten, possessing both defensive recovery ability and passing range.
His strong performances for Forest, including a decisive assist against Croatia, translated to a starting role with the England national team, further increasing his market value. Manchester City initially had a £106 million bid rejected, followed by a second offer of the same amount plus £14 million in add-ons, also turned down. This third bid appears to have been accepted by Forest.
While some sources suggest the fee does not include variables, others indicate the final amount could reach £130 million. Should the deal be finalized at that value, it would represent a new Premier League transfer record, exceeding the fee paid for Isak. The transfer is a significant investment for City, and the club will hope Anderson avoids the fate of other high-profile English players who have struggled to justify their price tags after moving to top clubs. The move will provide manager Pep Guardiola with another midfield option as City look to maintain their dominance in English and European football.
