Manchester City has officially signed midfielder Elliot Anderson from fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest in a move that marks the most expensive transfer for a British player in history. While the clubs have not publicly disclosed financial details, British media reports indicate the total deal is worth up to 116 million pounds or 155 million dollars. This valuation surpasses the package of 115 million pounds that Real Madrid agreed to pay Borussia Dortmund for Jude Bellingham in 2023.
Anderson, 23, is currently representing England at the FIFA World Cup and has completed a medical assessment in Kansas. According to a statement from Manchester City, the remaining formalities of the transfer will be finalized once the player returns to England. This acquisition also makes Anderson the most expensive signing in Manchester City’s history, eclipsing the 100 million pounds the club spent to bring winger Jack Grealish from Aston Villa in 2021.
A product of the Newcastle United academy, Anderson joined Nottingham Forest for 35 million pounds in 2024. During his time with the club, he made 92 appearances across all competitions, scoring six goals and contributing 11 assists. Known for his high-energy style, the midfielder has gained a reputation for being tactically sound, effectively combining defensive responsibilities with the ability to influence play in the final third.
His work-rate and pressing abilities have been key features of his development. In the 2025-26 Premier League season, Anderson recorded four goals and four assists in 38 league appearances for Nottingham Forest. He now joins a highly competitive Manchester City midfield that includes established stars such as Rodri, Nico Gonzalez, Mateo Kovacic, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, Matheus Nunes, and Phil Foden.
Manchester City, which finished as runners-up to Arsenal in the previous Premier League campaign, is entering a new chapter under former Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca. This transition follows the departure of Pep Guardiola, who concluded a remarkably successful decade at the helm of the club. The signing of Anderson signals the team`s intent to maintain its dominance in domestic and European competitions as they look toward the future under their new leadership.
