Elliot Anderson Signs for Man City from Nottingham Forest

Elliot Anderson completes a £116m transfer to Manchester City from Nottingham Forest, calling them the ‘kings of Manchester’.

Elliot Anderson has officially joined Manchester City, completing a £116 million transfer from Nottingham Forest. The England midfielder has expressed his excitement about the move, dubbing his new club the “kings of Manchester.” The transfer was finalized following Anderson’s recent return from the World Cup, where he helped England secure a third-place finish.

The 23-year-old signed a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium with the option for an additional year. He had been a target for Manchester United but ultimately chose to align himself with City, stating, “I can’t wait to play for this club. It’s a club built to win trophies and compete at the very top of the game. That is exciting for any footballer.”

Anderson’s excitement is palpable as he anticipates his first Manchester derby, scheduled to take place at Old Trafford on September 13. “It’s one of the biggest derbies in the world, and for as long as I’ve known Manchester, City have been the kings of Manchester,” he remarked, looking forward to the atmosphere of the fixture.

The midfielder’s journey to City is noteworthy. He began his career at Newcastle, making 55 first-team appearances before moving to Forest in a £35 million deal two years ago, where he played 92 matches. He quickly became a vital member of the squad under manager Thomas Tuchel and earned his first England call-up last season.

Anderson commented on his potential, saying, “I’m only 23, so I’ve got plenty of time to get to my best levels. I’m definitely not there yet and there’s more to come from me. I think I bring a bit of everything. I bring quality, I bring physicality, energy. I’d like to think I’d get the fans excited, get them off their feet and bring energy to the team.”

His admiration for former City star Kevin De Bruyne adds personal significance to the move. “I think Kevin De Bruyne is someone who I’ve hugely looked up to over the past seven or eight years. I’ve always wanted to play like him. I’ve watched him all the time and to be sat here in the team that he was doing it for is so special,” Anderson shared.

As he enjoys a well-deserved summer break, Anderson will soon join new manager Enzo Maresca’s squad for pre-season training. Manchester City’s Director of Football, Hugo Viana, praised Anderson’s talent, stating, “Elliot is one of the outstanding young midfield talents in world football. We feel he can become a complete midfielder.”

The signing also reflects a trend in Premier League transfers, where fees are rapidly increasing. Following Jack Grealish’s record-breaking £100 million move to City in 2021, transfers above £100 million have become common. The average price for elite talent has risen sharply, revealing a new normal in the transfer market.