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Manchester City have completed the signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a British record transfer worth £116million, according to Sky Sports.
The 23-year-old becomes the most expensive British player in history, surpassing the £115m deal that took Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid in 2023.
Only Liverpool’s £125m signing of Alexander Isak and £116.5m move for Florian Wirtz rank higher among Premier League transfer fees.
Anderson was granted permission to leave the England squad to complete his medical on Sunday during the FIFA World Cup.
The versatile midfielder attracted interest from Manchester United and several other clubs, but chose Manchester City. Nottingham Forest were willing to sell to either Manchester club, with the final decision resting with the player.
Anderson enjoyed an outstanding 2025-26 campaign, featuring in every Premier League match for Forest. He started 37 games, scored four goals, provided four assists, and ranked among the league’s top five players for tackles and completed passes.
He becomes the first signing of the Enzo Maresca era after the Italian was appointed as Manchester City’s new head coach following Pep Guardiola’s departure.
Manchester City released an official statement that read: “Manchester City and Nottingham Forest have reached an agreement for the transfer of Elliot Anderson. Anderson, 23, 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. In the meantime, everyone at Manchester City wishes Elliot and the England squad the very best of luck in their World Cup campaign and we look forward to welcoming him to Manchester in due course.”
Nottingham Forest also released a statement that read: “Nottingham Forest can confirm that an agreement has been reached with Manchester City for the transfer of Elliot Anderson.
“The necessary formalities will be completed in due course, allowing Elliot’s full focus to remain on representing England at the FIFA World Cup.
“The Club will pay tribute to Elliot’s outstanding contribution over the past two seasons at the appropriate time. Until then, everyone at Nottingham Forest wishes Elliot and the England squad every success for the remainder of the tournament.”
Anderson has started every game for Thomas Tuchel’s England side at the World Cup so far, helping the Three Lions reach the round of 16 after coming from behind to beat DR Congo.