Liverpool set to join the race to sign £100m-rated midfielder | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Interest in Anderson Sparks Concern at Man Utd

Liverpool’s long-term midfield planning could be about to intensify, with interest emerging in Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson. The Premier League champions, who spent heavily in the previous window without adding a single midfielder, are now weighing up whether to act sooner rather than later – and the rising competition has caused clear unease at Man Utd.

Last summer’s £450 million recruitment drive brought major changes across the pitch. Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz arrived in British-record deals, while Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni and Giorgi Mamardashvili bolstered the squad. Yet the midfield department remained untouched, placing a heavy load on Arne Slot’s existing players.

Injuries to Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo have only heightened Liverpool’s need for reinforcements, with Dominik Szoboszlai increasingly used as a solution across several roles. With the January window approaching, fresh ideas are being considered.

Anderson’s Rise and Forest’s £100m Valuation

Anderson’s emergence has been one of the Premier League stories of the past 18 months. Since leaving Newcastle United for Nottingham Forest in 2024, the 23-year-old has become an ever-present influence under Thomas Tuchel. His performances have propelled him into England contention ahead of the World Cup, and Forest have responded by placing a £100 million valuation on him.

His contract runs until 2029, giving Forest strong leverage, but growing interest from top-six clubs is beginning to define the conversation. Liverpool and Manchester City are monitoring developments closely, according to TEAMtalk, and that has major implications for other suitors.

Man Utd Fear Losing Ground in Midfield Race

Man Utd have tracked Anderson for months, but competition from Liverpool has clearly shifted the mood at Old Trafford. The suggestion that Anderson could be drawn towards clubs with a clearer recent record of success – both domestically and in Europe – has reportedly raised concerns internally.

“Manchester United are a little concerned about the rising competition to sign Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson,” one report notes, highlighting Forest’s insistence on a nine-figure fee.

With Ruben Amorim overseeing a turbulent rebuilding phase, United find themselves challenged not only financially, but also competitively. Liverpool and City both present more immediate prospects of silverware, which may influence Anderson’s thinking should Forest choose to negotiate.

Liverpool’s Midfield Planning and Possible Next Steps

Liverpool’s midfield has not undergone a significant reshaping since 2023. Talks are underway regarding new contracts for Gravenberch and Szoboszlai, yet the club recognises that further long-term solutions are required. Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes are believed to be aligned in identifying a new addition during the next two windows.

The January market may prove too complex for a deal of this scale, but Liverpool’s monitoring of Anderson suggests that future movements are being carefully timed. With his profile, versatility and age, Anderson fits the strategic template the club have prioritised in recent years.

Whether Forest are prepared to sell, and whether Liverpool choose to accelerate their interest, could define one of the major transfer narratives of early 2026. What is clear is that Man Utd are watching developments with growing anxiety, aware that another rival could move ahead of them in the race for one of England’s most promising midfielders.