Report: Man City make first move to sign Premier League midfielder | OneFootball

Man City move early as Elliot Anderson interest gathers pace

Manchester City’s forward planning in the transfer market is again coming into focus, with TeamTalk reporting that the Premier League champions have already “made contact” over a potential summer move for Elliot Anderson. While the winter window looks set to close without movement, the groundwork for what could become one of the defining deals of the summer appears to be under way.

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According to sources cited by TeamTalk, City have positioned themselves prominently in the race for the Nottingham Forest midfielder, a development that has unsettled Manchester United and sharpened the wider market. For City, this is familiar territory. Early contact, clear intent and alignment with long-term squad planning have become hallmarks of their recent recruitment cycles.

Guardiola admiration shapes City thinking

Anderson’s rise at the City Ground has not gone unnoticed inside the Etihad. Pep Guardiola is a major admirer of the 23-year-old, viewing him as a midfielder capable of operating in multiple roles. That versatility matters. City see Anderson as someone who can function as a deep-lying organiser or an energetic No. 8, offering tactical flexibility within a possession-dominant system.

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City’s recruitment structure has tracked Anderson closely. Director of football Hugo Viana and his team have monitored the player’s development, assessing not only output but temperament and adaptability. Insiders quoted by TeamTalk suggest Guardiola believes Anderson has the “technical quality and composure to thrive in high-possession environments”, a key benchmark for any City midfield addition.

Crucially, sources close to the situation indicate that City have already “made contact” with Anderson’s representatives. While no formal bid is expected until the summer, that signal alone carries weight across the market.

Transfer landscape tilts in City favour

This proactive stance has triggered concern elsewhere, most notably at Manchester United. TeamTalk describe Anderson as a primary target for United’s planned midfield overhaul, alongside Brighton’s Carlos Baleba. City’s entry into the conversation complicates those plans.

The anxiety stems from City’s structural advantages. Champions League football, a stable tactical identity and the opportunity to work under Guardiola remain powerful draws. Some sources even claim Anderson himself is keen on a move to City, with whispers that he sees “no better opportunity to elevate his career”. Within rival clubs, there is a growing belief that should City submit a competitive offer, they would be difficult to resist.

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Forest leverage and valuation realities

Nottingham Forest, however, are under no immediate pressure. Anderson is contracted until 2029, providing the club with significant leverage. Valuations range from £80 million to over £100 million, with the possibility of escalation if Anderson enhances his reputation further on the international stage.

Photo IMAGO

Forest have consistently stressed that January was never an option for a sale, prioritising squad stability as they push to cement their Premier League status. Chelsea and Bayern Munich remain attentive, but the emerging narrative frames this as a potential City United duel, one in which City’s clarity of intent stands out.

From a City perspective, this pursuit fits a broader pattern. With Rodri returning to full fitness and the midfield core entering a new phase, Anderson is viewed as a strategic investment rather than a short-term fix.

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City rarely drift into headline chases without purpose, and the idea that contact has already been made suggests this is not speculative admiration. It looks like genuine succession planning.

Supporters will immediately see the logic. The midfield has been the heartbeat of Guardiola’s best sides, but evolution is constant. Bernardo Silva’s future is discussed every window, and even Rodri’s workload is monitored closely. Anderson fits the profile of a player who can grow into responsibility rather than be burdened by it immediately.

There is also quiet confidence among fans that City can compete at the very top end of the market when they truly want a player. While £80m or more is significant, City have shown they will stretch valuations for the right tactical fit. Anderson’s Premier League experience, age and adaptability tick key boxes.

Equally important is the timing. By moving early, City often reduce chaos later. Supporters will view this as smart, controlled business rather than reactive spending. If this deal does progress, many will see it as another example of City shaping the market rather than being shaped by it.