Transfer News: Manchester City are in a favourable position to sign Elliot Anderson
Transfer News: Manchester City are leading the race to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson this summer. Sky Sports reports that Pep Guardiola’s side are in pole position for the 23-year-old England international, who has also drawn serious interest from Manchester United and Arsenal.
Manchester City are looking to restructure their midfield ahead of a busy window and have identified Anderson as a key target. The Citizens moved to the front of the queue after the player signalled he would prefer a move to the Etihad. Sources close to the deal indicate that Anderson sees Manchester City as his ideal destination, giving the Premier League title competitors a clear advantage over their rivals.
How has he performed in 2025/26 so far?
Anderson joined Forest from Newcastle in July 2024 for around £35 million and has since become one of the league’s most reliable performers. He covers a massive amount of ground, wins tackles through sheer work rate, and is excellent at driving forward with the ball. During the 2025/26 season, he played 3,044 minutes, scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists, with an average FotMob rating of 7.5. While he did pick up seven yellow cards, those numbers show just how consistent he’s been throughout a tough campaign.
Manchester City are facing some big changes in the middle of the park. Bernardo Silva is set to leave when his contract ends in June, and there are still questions over the futures of Mateo Kovacic and Nico Gonzalez. Meanwhile, Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on Rodri, despite City’s best efforts to tie him down long-term.
Guardiola needs fresh options who can rotate into the side without a drop in quality, and Anderson is a perfect option for him. He wins duels at an elite level; reports show he won 270 in a single season, which is more than double Rodri’s tally in that same window. The Englishman’s ability to carry the ball adds a bit of dynamism that would pair well with Rodri’s composure under pressure.
The 23-year-old is a high-intensity presser who thrives at winning the ball back deep in the opposition half. He’s also calm in tight spaces, allowing him to break lines with forward passes. Scouts have praised his athleticism and tactical brain, both of which would make him a seamless fit for City’s system.
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That said, he is still developing. He could definitely improve his output in the final third, as his goal and assist numbers are still a bit low compared to how much he’s involved in the play. Anderson can also struggle at times in the air when opponents drag him into physical aerial battles. These are natural areas for improvement for a young player moving into a title-challenging side.
Anderson’s stock has risen steadily since his move to the City Ground. Nottingham Forest value him highly and are expected to hold out for a massive fee, potentially reaching £100 million or more. City seem ready to open talks, confident that the player wants the move. For now, the England international is focusing on the end of the season with Forest while the rumours continue to swirl.
Manchester City are firmly in the driver’s seat here. They can offer Champions League football, world-class coaching, and a massive platform for Anderson to take his game to the next level. If the move happens, he’ll get the chance to test himself against the best while polishing the attacking side of his game.
Scorzo’s opinion:
Personally, I think this move makes a lot of sense for City. Anderson brings young legs and a bit of grit to a midfield that needs a refresh, but he does it without losing the control Guardiola demands. He meets the physical requirements the manager loves, but his passing and dribbling keep the team from becoming too predictable.
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It’s a big investment given the price tag, but because the player wants the move and has already proven himself in the Premier League, it looks like a smart bit of business. Manchester City would be significantly strengthening their engine room with a player like this.
