Manchester City handed financial hurdle in Elliot Anderson pursuit ahead of FIFA World Cup | OneFootball

Manchester City face a significant financial hurdle in their pursuit of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, as per reports from Germany.

The Blues have been among the frontrunners to sign Anderson for several months, with director of football Hugo Viana identifying the 23-year-old as a key target as Manchester City prepare for another significant overhaul of their midfield ranks this summer.

Anderson recently broke his silence on transfer speculation linking him with a move to City, with the Newcastle-born midfielder widely regarded as one of the most exciting young midfielders in the Premier League after a stellar debut campaign at the City Ground following his £35 million move from Newcastle United last summer.

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano had confirmed City’s interest in Anderson as part of their summer recruitment plans, with the Blues in the market for at least one new central midfielder ahead of the 2026-27 campaign amid the expected departures of Bernardo Silva and potentially Rodri.

Report: Forest set £100-120M price-tag for Anderson

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenburg, Nottingham Forest have placed a £100-120 million valuation on Anderson ahead of the summer transfer window – a figure that represents a significant premium on what City had previously been understood to be willing to spend on the midfielder.

Forest expect Manchester United to remain in the race for Anderson’s signature, meaning City will face stiff competition from their cross-town rivals should they decide to press ahead with a move.

Crucially, Plettenburg’s report also indicates that City have expressed interest in the England international but are currently prioritising the renewal of Rodri’s contract at the Etihad Stadium, with a decision from the Ballon d’Or winner on his future expected in the coming weeks.

What is the wider context for City’s midfield rebuild?

City’s need for midfield reinforcements this summer is well-documented. A mass summer exodus is expected at the Etihad Stadium, with Silva confirmed as a departure and Rodri’s future still far from resolved amid significant interest from Real Madrid.

The Blues are understood to have aimed to accelerate a move for Anderson before the FIFA World Cup gets underway this summer, with Viana keen to conclude as much transfer business as possible before key targets jet off to represent their respective nations.

Forest’s £100-120 million valuation, however, will give City pause for thought – particularly with the Rodri situation unresolved and the club simultaneously eyeing other targets to progress Viana’s rebuild. Whether the Blues are prepared to meet Forest’s lofty demands for a player entering just his second season in the top flight remains to be seen.