Man City Transfer News: Both Manchester clubs want Nottingham Forest’s standout midfielder Elliot Anderson. Multiple credible reports from TEAMtalk’s Fraser Fletcher, and later The Athletic, confirm this interest. The 23-year-old sits at the top of transfer shortlists for both teams. Fletcher first broke the story in November 2025. He identified Anderson as Manchester United‘s primary midfield target for the summer of 2026. The Athletic confirmed this on 26th December 2025. However, things changed quickly in City’s favour through January and February 2026.
Man City Transfer News: Manchester City Lead the Race for Elliot Anderson as Bidding War With United Takes Shape
Forest are currently fighting to avoid Premier League relegation under new head coach Vitor Pereira. They have made their position very clear. Anderson stays until summer, regardless of any bids. His valuation sits between £85 million and £100 million. This figure would shatter Manchester United’s transfer record of £89.3 million.
United set that record when they signed Paul Pogba in 2016. Anderson joined Forest from Newcastle United for roughly £35 million in the summer of 2024. His progress at the City Ground has been highly impressive. CaughtOffside reported that Anderson personally prefers a move to the Etihad Stadium.
TEAMtalk later confirmed that Man City, under new director Hugo Viana, already contacted Anderson’s camp. Meanwhile, United appear to be shifting their focus to other players. These include Adam Wharton, Sandro Tonali, and Carlos Baleba. This suggests INEOS may already be losing ground in this race.
Is Elliot Anderson the Man City Transfer News Story That Finally Fixes What Rodri Broke?
The deeper question is whether Anderson resolves the structural problem City have faced since Rodri’s ACL injury in September 2024. That injury exposed the weakness in City’s midfield. Pep Guardiola’s side never truly found their rhythm for the rest of that season. Anderson is an energetic, ball-carrying England international. He has earned six caps under Thomas Tuchel and will likely make the 2026 World Cup squad.
He brings the dynamic, progressive qualities City’s engine room lacks. Crucially, sources confirm Anderson would move to the Etihad even if Guardiola leaves. This shows how much City’s broader project continues to attract top talent. The club need to rebuild at the highest level. Spending a reported £100 million on a 23-year-old England starter is a calculated long-term bet. Based on current news, City look ready to win it.
