Report: Man City set to make major move for midfielder in 2026 | OneFootball

City’s Midfield Ambition Shapes Anderson Chase

Manchester City’s growing fascination with Elliot Anderson signals another change in the Premier League landscape, with the champions already sketching out plans for 2026. Credit goes to The Daily Mail for outlining how far City are prepared to go for the 23 year old whose rise at Nottingham Forest has been one of the season’s most compelling stories.

Anderson’s Rise and City’s Strategic Thinking

Anderson’s ability to command games with poise and tempo has put him on recruitment boards across England. His performances for Forest have not only stabilised their midfield but elevated their overall structure. As Mail Sport notes, City’s interest is firm and their scouts have been present at recent Forest fixtures. The club hierarchy, including Pep Guardiola and football director Hugo Viana, admire his blend of athleticism and tactical maturity.

Photo IMAGO

Forest are expected to resist offers in January although there is acknowledgement that a summer sale before the 2026 World Cup becomes harder to refuse, particularly if offers approach £100 million. Rivals believe a fee in excess of £80 million will be required. One source quoted that “a player who will likely be an England regular for several years is too good to pass by,” a sentiment now widely shared.

Tactical Fit and the Wider Recruitment Picture

City’s January preference remains wide players and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, valued at £65 million, is under consideration. The Mail outlines internal debate between signing a direct winger like Semenyo or a more intricate technician in the style of Phil Foden or Bernardo Silva. It is a fascinating contrast of profiles, yet Anderson’s flexibility as a No.6 or No.8 provides something different. His mobility and range make him an enticing option for a midfield already shaped by Rodri, Nico Gonzalez and Tijjani Reijnders in differing roles.

Adam Wharton had previously been tracked although insiders now favour Anderson over the Crystal Palace creator. With Liverpool and Manchester United also monitoring developments, the battle for Anderson is becoming one of the Premier League’s next major recruitment contests.

England Breakthrough and Tuchel’s Backing

Anderson’s England progression has accelerated his value. After breaking into the national team this season and forming an early partnership with Declan Rice, he has collected six caps. Thomas Tuchel’s praise during the November break added fuel to the growing hype.“Anderson is a key player for us at the moment,” Tuchel said. “He is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, that is why he is with us and starting for us.”“He is an elite player with the right attitude and a lot of talent,” he added, reinforcing the view that Anderson is now central to England’s evolving identity.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Excitement among neutral supporters is rising although fans of clubs circling Anderson will experience mixed emotions. A Manchester City follower would feel expectant, sensing this is exactly the type of cerebral yet dynamic midfielder who thrives under Guardiola. Anderson’s ability to glide between roles, take instruction and contribute without ego is a dream fit for a system built on intelligent movement and controlled rhythm.

Liverpool fans might be sceptical but intrigued. There is admiration for Anderson’s progress although the idea of City stealing another top level midfielder could frustrate some. Under Arne Slot, Liverpool’s midfield has become more fluid and supporters can see why he would appeal, especially given his tactical maturity. Yet the likely price and the fierce competition might leave fans concerned that Liverpool could again be priced out of a major domestic battle.

Manchester United followers would be disappointed. With their midfield still searching for long term clarity, Anderson feels like the sort of profile they have missed out on repeatedly. To see him choose City or Liverpool would sting, particularly given his growing England influence.

Forest supporters would be shocked but realistic. The club’s model demands clever trading and Anderson’s sale would represent enormous profit although losing a player this central to their style is always painful. Supporters will hope that if Anderson leaves, Forest reinvest wisely.

Overall, this is a story that feels like the opening act of a long transfer saga, one that will grip supporters across the league.