Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson is a wanted man ahead of the summer transfer window opening
10:58, 28 May 2026Updated 10:59, 28 May 2026
Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson
View Image
Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson(Image: PA)
The season has only just finished and the transfer window is not yet officially open, but talk about Elliot Anderson’s Nottingham Forest future is already dominating the headlines.
The midfielder is a wanted man after a superb season with the Reds. Manchester City are considered favourites for his signature, but Manchester United also have a strong interest in signing him.
Forest hold all the cards, though. Anderson is under contract until 2029 and head coach Vitor Pereira has said the club are keen to keep him - albeit he has stopped short of guaranteeing the England international will be at the City Ground come next term.
City apparently want to get a deal for Anderson concluded before the World Cup begins next month, but their reported £80 million valuation is far off the Reds’ £100m-plus price tag. Forest know if their prized asset performs well for the Three Lions in the United States, his value will only increase.
*JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!Get all the Nottingham Forest latest via our Facebook page*
But is it possible to put a price on what the 23-year-old offers the Reds in the first place? Will it prove to be the case that money talks or should Forest fight tooth and nail to hang on to him?
Anderson to stay?
Asked about Anderson after his team’s 3-2 defeat at Manchester United, Pereira said: “This is an answer I don’t have. The market is the market. In the market, everything can happen. What I can say to you is the club wants to keep him playing for us, for sure.”
The Portuguese’s predecessor, Sean Dyche, has also not put it past the Reds to retain their star man. He has said: “Well that's up to (Forest), I mean they've kept hold of other players. I don't think they're under pressure, certainly not from the ownership there, they're not under pressure.
"I don't think they'll be under pressure in the sense to sell. Whether they sell or not will be under their control."
This time 12 months ago, the focus was on whether Morgan Gibbs-White would be on the move. At one stage, he was close to joining Tottenham Hotspur but instead ended up penning a new contract Trentside - so there is precedent for Forest fending off suitors in their key men.
Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!
There is no question about Anderson’s importance in the Garibaldi. He is a huge talent and played a vital role this term as Premier League safety was secured and the Europa League semi-finals were reached. And he is sure to get even better, given he has plenty of years ahead of him.
Maybe it is just wishful thinking and trying to avoid coming to terms with the inevitable, but if Anderson does somehow stay put it would be quite the coup. One more year, Elliot?! After all, why would you want to leave the World Famous City Ground?
Anderson to leave?
Ola Aina wearing a signed Anderson No.8 shirt. The man himself waving at supporters and taking photos alongside good friend Neco Williams, having been substituted to a standing ovation during the game. If Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth does prove to be the midfielder’s final appearance for the club, there was plenty of affection and gratitude expressed to and from the crowd.
If he does depart, Anderson will do so with nothing but good wishes from those of a Forest persuasion. Few would begrudge him the opportunity to take another step up in his career as it is clear he is destined for great things.
Article continues below
As much as the Reds and Pereira would love to keep hold of him, if City or United come up with a big offer it can be hard to turn down that amount of cash. Forest do not require too many additions this summer, but £100m-odd could still go a long way if used wisely.
Aside from the very top teams, vultures will always come circling around the likes of the Reds; it is the reality of the transfer market. Whatever happens this summer, Anderson has made quite the impact on the banks of the Trent.
How much is Anderson worth to Forest? Click HERE to have your say