Manchester City have sealed the signing of England midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a record £116 million deal, making the 23-year-old the most expensive British player ever.
Sky Sports reported that City agreed the transfer with Forest while Anderson is away with England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He completed his medical in Kansas between England’s World Cup matches, with the final paperwork to be completed after the tournament.
The fee beats the £115 million Real Madrid agreed to pay for Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund in 2023. It also tops the £100 million City spent on Jack Grealish, making Anderson the club’s most expensive signing.
Manchester City confirmed the agreement in a statement and wished Anderson well with England before he officially joins the club.
“Manchester City and Nottingham Forest have reached an agreement for the transfer of Elliot Anderson,” the club said.
“Anderson is currently competing at the FIFA World Cup with England and has completed a medical in Kansas. The formalities of the move will be finalised upon his return to England.”
Anderson is the first signing under new City manager Enzo Maresca, who recently replaced Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.
The former Newcastle United midfielder has enjoyed a rapid rise since joining Forest for £35 million two years ago. Last season, he started 37 Premier League games, scoring four goals and providing four assists as he became one of the league’s standout midfielders.
BBC Sport said Anderson’s numbers show why City were ready to break the British transfer record. He finished the 2025-26 Premier League season with the most touches (3,300), most duels won (298), most possessions won (306) and most fouls won (80). He also led all central midfielders in completed passes (2,038) and line-breaking passes (376).
Anderson also covered 411 kilometres during the campaign, second only to Everton’s James Garner, and ranked second among Premier League midfielders for high-intensity pressures with 1,895.
Despite Forest’s counter-attacking style, he created 54 chances and nine big chances while adding four goals and four assists. He has also started all four of England’s World Cup matches under Thomas Tuchel.
With Bernardo Silva leaving this summer and doubts over Rodri’s long-term future, City see Anderson as a midfielder who can fill different roles as they rebuild their midfield.
