Man City complete record Elliott Anderson signing from Nottingham Forest in £116m deal

Manchester City have confirmed the signing of England midfielder Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a deal worth £116m, making him the most expensive player in the club’s history.

The 23-year-old has signed a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City announced on Thursday evening.

City’s move for Anderson, reported by BBC to be worth £116m, was initially set to make him the most expensive footballer in British history. However, that distinction has been narrowly overtaken by Morgan Rogers’ transfer from Aston Villa to Chelsea for £117m.

Anderson, who has been capped by England, arrives at City after a standout spell at Nottingham Forest, where he quickly established himself as a key figure at the City Ground following his move there in 2024.

‘One of the biggest clubs in the world’

Speaking to his new club’s official website after completing the move, Anderson said the opportunity to join Manchester City was impossible to turn down.

“Manchester City احد اكبر الاندية في العالم، والتشكيلة التي يمتلكها مذهلة وقوية في كل مركز,” he said.

He added that his mind was made up as soon as he learned of City’s interest.

“بمجرد ان علمت برغبتهم في التعاقد معي، كنت مصمما تماما على اتمام هذه الصفقة”.

“For any footballer, you always want to test yourself at the highest level,” Anderson continued. “والانضمام الى مانشستر سيتي يمنحني هذه الفرصة”.

He underlined that the club’s relentless pursuit of silverware was a major attraction.

“مانشستر سيتي بني من اجل الفوز بالالقاب والمنافسة على اعلى مستوى، وهذا امر يثير حماس اي لاعب كرة قدم”.

Record signing for Premier League champions

Anderson is described by Manchester City as a complete central midfielder, capable of contributing in both defensive and attacking phases of play.

He is known for his high energy in the middle of the pitch, strong tackling and aggressive challenges, as well as his creativity and range of passing. Those attributes have helped establish him as one of the most highly regarded young talents in the Premier League.

His £116m fee surpasses all previous Manchester City signings, setting a new benchmark for the Premier League champions in the transfer market.

From Newcastle prospect to City marquee arrival

Born in 2001, Anderson began his professional career at Newcastle United, coming through the club’s youth system and breaking into the first team before seeking regular football elsewhere.

In 2024, he made the switch to Nottingham Forest, where he quickly became an integral part of the side at the City Ground. His performances there, combining work-rate with composure and invention on the ball, drew the attention of the Premier League’s elite.

Manchester City have now secured his services at the peak of his early career, tying him down until 2029 as they continue to refresh and strengthen a squad built to compete for major honours on multiple fronts.