Manchester City are said to be huge admirers of Elliot Anderson – and there is now word of what the player has told his entourage about a potential future move.
Manchester City got back to winning ways in the Premier League on Saturday, defeating Leeds United 3-2. Phil Foden starred for City, scoring a brace with his second coming in the 91st minute.
But City were nowhere near their best, and there has been further talk amongst fans that Pep Guardiola will need to recruit in January.
One player City really admire is Elliot Anderson, who has been in superb form this season for Nottingham Forest.
Over the weekend, it was claimed that City preferred Anderson to Adam Wharton, but any move would more likely come next summer.
But what does Anderson feel about a potential future move to City?
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Elliot Anderson has given ‘priority’ to Man City if he’s going to leave Nottingham Forest
Elliot Anderson playing for Nottingham Forest.
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
Anderson has been one of the standout midfielders in the Premier League so far this season.
Forest may be languishing down in 16th and just a point above the relegation zone. But the England midfielder has impressed with his all-action performances for the Reds.
His ability and potential to develop into an even better player have attracted City.
Today, journalist Sacha Tavolieri has reported on Anderson’s future – and what he says will certainly excite some City fans hoping Anderson will come to the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola already dropped his verdict on Elliot Anderson in March 2025 👀
“Elliot Anderson is physical and a top player.”
– Pep Guardiola (via pre-match press conference ahead of facing Nottingham Forest)
Elliot Anderson playing for England.
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
He says that Anderson is a player City love, and Hugo Viana has already been to watch him more than 10 times this season.
Tavolieri says that any January move for Anderson is off the cards, but that an exit could well happen in the summer of 2026, after the World Cup.
He reports that Anderson has actually informed his entourage to give priority to Manchester City should he leave Forest.
Anderson could be Bernardo Silva replacement
Bernardo Silva playing for Manchester City.
Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Ciancaphoto Studio/Getty Images
It seems City really love Anderson, and if it’s true that Viana has already been to watch him over 10 times, then it looks highly likely that there will be an approach next year.
The interest does raise questions about Bernardo Silva, though.
Bernardo Silva is City’s captain, and it’s not out of the question he could go at the end of the season, having been at the club since 2017.
Man City target Elliot Anderson was phenomenal against Brighton 🔥
💎 | A special player
Elliot Anderson has today become the first player in the last ten Premier League seasons to record the following stats in one match:
• 100+ touches (106)
• 10+ ball recoveries (13)
• 10+ duels won (11)
• 5+ key passes (6)
• 5+ successful dribbles (5)… pic.twitter.com/UwFEc4zcV7
— Sofascore Football (@Sofascore) November 30, 2025
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His contract ends next summer and while he could yet extend, he has been linked with an exit from City for years. Already this season, it’s been reported Juventus are interested in a free swoop for Bernardo next year.
So it could be that he finally leaves when his contract is up, and the versatility of Anderson could really make him a great replacement.
Anderson is perhaps not quite as technical as Bernardo, although he is still brilliant in that department, but he is definitely more physical than the Portuguese.