Manchester City’s £116m record deal reshapes Elliot Anderson’s future

Manchester City and Nottingham Forest have agreed a £116 million guaranteed fee for England midfielder Elliot Anderson, who will sign a five‑year contract with an optional extra year and could earn up to £300,000 per week in bonuses after a medical in New York City on Friday. Director of football Hugo Viana said the 23‑year‑old midfielder was central to Manchester City’s rebuild at the Etihad Stadium. He confirmed that Anderson had been the club’s primary midfield target since the transfer window opened. Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis and club director George Syrianos remained firm throughout negotiations, consistently demanding a record fee. Their stance forced Manchester City to meet the valuation after two opening bids were rejected by Forest officials. The £116 million fee is guaranteed with no add‑ons, as reported by The Athletic’s Daniel Taylor and David Ornstein. This makes the transfer a club‑record acquisition for Manchester City.

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England manager Thomas Tuchel granted permission for Anderson to travel to New York City for a medical on Friday morning. The examination will precede the signing of the long‑term contract. Incoming Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca now has his first major signing confirmed ahead of his debut season at the Etihad Stadium. Anderson is expected to fill the gap for a dynamic, high‑energy midfielder capable of pressing and progressing the ball. Anderson’s performances for Nottingham Forest last season were among the most consistent in the Premier League. His displays for England at the FIFA World Cup have further enhanced his reputation ahead of the move. For Hugo Viana, the deal represents an early statement of intent in his second summer overseeing Manchester City transfers since succeeding Txiki Begiristain in 2025. The club anticipates additional arrivals before the transfer window closes.