Real Madrid C.F. v Manchester City - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 - Source: Getty
Real Madrid C.F. v Manchester City - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 - Source: Getty
Manchester City have beat Chelsea to sign England's FIFA World Cup star Elliot Anderson. The Cityzens have agreed a club record fee, surpassing the £100 million paid for Jack Grealish.
According to a report in The Athletic, Manchester City have had a £116 million bid accepted by Nottingham Forest. The fee does not include any add-ons and is a final fee agreed between the two clubs.
The City Ground side were demanding a Premier League record fee for the midfielder, and had previously rejected bids from the Cityzens. Their lastest offer was £106 million, and it was rejected earlier this month.
Anderson has now been given permission to undergo his medical by England during the FIFA World Cup. The Three Lions face Panama in their final game of the group stage, having already sealed their place in the knockout stages.
Chelsea and Manchester United were also interested in Anderson, but the Red Devils had already switched attention to other targets. The Blues were keeping tabs, but had not made a move as they waited for the offer from Real Madrid for Enzo Fernandez.
Anderson joined Nottingham Forest in 2023 for a reported £35 million from Newcastle United and played 92 times for them. He was touted as one of the best English midfielders and was a target for the Cityzens since the turn of the year.
Manchester City see the 23-year-old as the ideal replacement for Bernardo Silva, who has left the club following the expiry of his contract. He has joined Real Madrid on a free transfer, despite holding talks with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Thomas Tuchel issued advice to Manchester City target ahead of FIFA World Cup
Thomas Tuchel spoke about Manchester city's interest in Elliot Anderson, saying that the transfer interest could boost the midfielder's confidence. The German added that he would not talk to the midfiedler during the FIFA World Cup about it and said:
“My assistant coach spoke with him about it but I won't. It should push him because it's proof of what he's capable to do and what level he can perform. At the moment it seems like a push for him. Even if a transfer is completed, hopefully he stays the same person. Nothing will change overnight with him if he wakes up, he's not a new player."
"People will try to hang around his neck this price but in reality nothing changes. He just changes the club, that's the rules of the game. Hopefully he just stays the same - a humble, determined, hungry football player. Absolutely, he is very level-headed. I hope it boosts his confidence (if it happens)."
Anderson has started both matches for England at the FIFA World Cup.