Report: Man United told to pay at least £100m to sign midfielder | OneFootball

Elliot Anderson’s Surging Value and the Premier League Marketplace

Rising Star Poised for Nine Figure Status

Nottingham Forest’s stance on Elliot Anderson speaks volumes about his growing importance and the wider market forces at play in English football. The club’s valuation, reportedly set at over £100m, signals their awareness of a player who has not only accelerated his development but also captured the attention of Europe’s elite. Forest will not entertain offers in January, which reflects both their ambition and the scarcity of midfielders with Anderson’s profile.

Photo: IMAGO

As The Telegraph reported, Forest have adopted a firm view on the 23 year old’s future, noting that he could follow Jack Grealish and Declan Rice as the next English player to command a nine figure fee. Their resolve appears absolute.

Market Forces Driving the Price

Forest secured Anderson from Newcastle for around £15m, a figure that now appears an astute move shaped by financial regulations. Newcastle were forced into a sale due to profit and sustainability pressures, a reminder of the modern game’s strict accounting landscape. The detail that there are no clauses or sell on conditions in Anderson’s five year deal is striking, especially with Eddie Howe confirming this on 5 October.

Forest’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, will ultimately set the price and it is clear they believe the market will support a substantial valuation. European interest is expected and instalments could push any deal beyond £100m. As one club source put it, “Forest know exactly what they have in Anderson, they will not be rushed or pushed.”

International Break Reinforces His Trajectory

Anderson’s rise has been mirrored on the international stage. Now a central figure for England under Thomas Tuchel, he has impressed with his mobility, technique and temperament. Tuchel described him as the “complete” midfielder, adding, “He is an elite player with the right attitude and a lot of talent, and that’s what he keeps showing me.”

Photo IMAGO

Such endorsements matter. They shift a player from potential to proven and elevate negotiating positions at club level. Anderson made his sixth England appearance during the 2-0 win over Albania, a substitute cameo that further underlined his growing role.

Summer Shaping Up for a Battle

Manchester United and Newcastle are the early names involved and both clubs have reason to push strongly in the summer window. For United, midfield revitalisation remains a priority. For Newcastle, there is an emotional layer, given Anderson’s academy roots. Anderson will return to Forest duty on Tuesday before the trip to Liverpool and his performances between now and May will only influence the noise around him.

Our View, EPL Index Analysis

Anderson fits the profile that United have lacked for several seasons, a press resistant midfielder with energy, craft and a capacity to operate between the lines. Watching him thrive in an England shirt deepens the sense that he is moving into the bracket of players who can influence games at the highest level.

United’s recruitment in recent seasons has leaned towards short term patchwork solutions. Anderson feels different. He is 23, technically assured and clearly trusted by Tuchel, which says a lot about his maturity. The quoted value of over £100m will put some off, yet this is the going rate for Premier League proven talent. If United genuinely believe he can anchor their midfield for the next decade, then the decision becomes about long term structure rather than up front cost.

There is also the emotional complication of Newcastle’s looming interest. United supporters recognise the challenge of prising a player from a club with serious plans and stronger finances than before. Forest will demand a premium and rightly so. What matters now is whether United can present a project compelling enough to persuade Anderson that Old Trafford is where his next step should be.