Thomas Tuchel says City interest should push Elliot Anderson
Thomas Tuchel says Manchester City’s interest in Elliot Anderson should act as a push rather than a distraction. He made the comment while England’s squad was at the FIFA World Cup.
Anderson delivered a player‑of‑the‑match performance in England’s 3‑0 friendly win over Costa Rica in Orlando, Florida. The display came as Manchester City’s second bid, worth more than £120 million, was turned down by Nottingham Forest.
Tuchel has granted Anderson permission to undergo a Manchester City medical within the England camp. He added that he will not block a transfer if its timing fits the team’s preparation schedule.
Tuchel confirmed his England assistant has spoken to Anderson about the City interest and noted that Anderson appears unfazed. He said the attention should prove Anderson’s capability and hopes a completed move will leave him the same humble, determined, hungry player.
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis accepts that an Elliot Anderson sale to Manchester City is inevitable, despite labeling a £121 million offer (£106 million upfront and £15 million add‑ons) as unacceptable. With Manchester United out of the race, Manchester City remains the only club able to discuss fees at the level of Forest’s demands. Anderson is regarded as a key component of Enzo Maresca’s midfield rebuild, and City is expected to continue negotiations in the coming days to narrow the gap with Marinakis’ demands.