Man City agree deal for Elliot Anderson after breakthrough in Forest talks | OneFootball

Manchester City have reached an agreement with Nottingham Forest to sign England midfielder Elliot Anderson after improving their offer for one of the Premier League’s most sought-after players.

The 23-year-old has now been given permission to undergo a medical in New York, with the transfer expected to be completed once personal terms are finalised.

Anderson is currently with the England squad at the World Cup, where he has started both group matches against Croatia and Ghana under Thomas Tuchel.

City stepped up their pursuit after submitting an improved proposal that bridged the gap between the two clubs’ valuations.

Forest had been determined to maximise the fee for one of their prized assets and were seeking a fixed amount higher than the British-record £125 million Liverpool paid Newcastle United for Alexander Isak last summer.

Earlier this month, City tabled a verbal offer worth £106 million upfront, with performance-related add-ons taking the overall package beyond £120 million.

That proposal followed an earlier bid which Forest rejected.

The latest breakthrough means Anderson is now on the verge of becoming one of the most expensive players in British football history.

Forest will also secure a remarkable profit on a player they signed from Newcastle United in 2024 as part of a deal that also saw goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos move in the opposite direction.

Since arriving at the City Ground, Anderson has developed into one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders.

He made 92 appearances for Forest and featured in every league match during the 2025-26 campaign, contributing four goals and four assists.

His influence extended well beyond those numbers.

Anderson recorded more touches than any other Premier League player last season despite representing a team that regularly played without dominant possession.

His ability to carry the ball through midfield, resist pressure and progress attacks has made him one of England’s brightest emerging talents.

Out of possession, he has also impressed with his work rate, athleticism and defensive awareness.

Those qualities have earned him a regular place in Tuchel’s England side, with Anderson making an assured start to life at international level during the World Cup.

Manchester City view him as an ideal addition to refresh their midfield following Bernardo Silva’s departure.

The Premier League champions have prioritised signing proven English talent in recent seasons, with Anderson’s homegrown status providing another significant advantage.

Nottingham Forest are already exploring replacements, with Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall among the players under consideration.

For City, however, securing Anderson represents another major statement as they continue reshaping their squad with one of the Premier League’s most complete young midfielders.