Manchester City have agreed a club-record £116m deal to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, with the England midfielder set to undergo a medical in the coming days. The 23-year-old, who scored for Forest in a 2-2 draw at the Etihad in March, is preparing for England’s final World Cup group game against Panama on Saturday – and insists the blockbuster transfer is not distracting him.
“It’s pretty easy really, I’m just focusing on the present, I’m blocking it all out,” Anderson told BBC Sport this week. “I’ve got a plan and it’s to perform for England. I’m putting myself in the best position to cross the line and do that.”
“Elliot Anderson is set to become Manchester City's record signing for £116m after agreeing a deal with Nottingham Forest.”
City sources insist the fee is £116m with no bonuses, making it a club record. Other sources claim the deal could reach £130m, which would eclipse the British record £125m Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak last summer. Forest had rejected two earlier offers before accepting the third, and personal terms are not expected to be an obstacle.
Anderson joined Forest for £35m from Newcastle in 2024, a sale Newcastle manager Eddie Howe called “the most reluctant in my career” because of profit and sustainability concerns. At Forest, he made 88 appearances, scored four goals, and helped the club finish seventh in 2024-25 and 16th last season, when they also reached the Europa League semi-finals. Last season he led the Premier League in touches (3,300), possession wins (306), duels won (297) and fouls drawn (80).
Now a key figure for England at the World Cup, Anderson bossed midfield in the win over Panama, taking more touches (92) than any other player. His composure in the centre freed Jude Bellingham to roam, and he provided a back-post cross for Marcus Rashford. England manager Thomas Tuchel, who rested Declan Rice, selected Anderson ahead of Kobbie Mainoo – a sign of his status as the team’s heartbeat.
“It speaks volumes that even with muscle tightness, Tuchel still selected Anderson,” noted the Mirror. Anderson’s simplicity and ability to extinguish threatening breaks were further evidence of why City are willing to pay such a sum. Forest are now expected to sign two midfielders, with interest in Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall and Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi.
Anderson’s journey – from Newcastle’s academy at age eight, to a reluctant sale, to England star and now a potential British record transfer – has been swift. But for now, his focus remains on the World Cup. “I’m blocking it all out,” he said. His City medical could take place in the coming days.