Transfer fee, contract length, first reactions, shirt number: Man City sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest | OneFootball

Manchester City have confirmed their club record £116 million signing of England international Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.

Anderson was identified by executives at the Etihad Stadium as a priority addition to new Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca‘s midfield as the Blues embark on life beyond Pep Guardiola.

After two formal bids for the 23-year-old were turned down by Nottingham Forest, Manchester City reached an agreement for Anderson as a medical in Kansas followed in accordance with Thomas Tuchel‘s guidelines for transfers occurring around England’s FIFA World Cup schedule.

Manchester City are in store for a busy transfer window and outgoings will play an important role in determining the extent to which Enzo Maresca and director of football Hugo Viana will revamp the first-team squad.

Maresca’s work is well underway during City’s pre-season from the club’s training ground, having been confirmed as Guardiola’s successor recently after prolonged compensation talks between the Blues and their Stamford Bridge counterparts.

With Elliot Anderson now formally unveiled as Maresca’s first signing at the Etihad Stadium, here is everything you need to know about the Newcastle United academy graduate’s lucrative switch to the north-west.

What are the terms of Elliot Anderson’s move from Nottingham Forest to Man City?

Elliot Anderson has joined Manchester City on a five-year contract until the summer of 2031, after a £116 million transfer fee was agreed with Nottingham Forest – paid up-front and without add-ons.

What has Elliot Anderson said upon joining Man City?

Upon becoming a Manchester City player, Anderson said, “City are one of the biggest clubs in the world and the squad they have is amazing – so strong in every position. As soon as I knew they wanted me, I was absolutely determined to make this move happen.

“As a footballer, you want to test yourself at the highest level. Being at City means I have that opportunity. From the outside looking in, City are a club that treats its players well and provides the perfect environment to excel. The success they have had and the way they have played the game in the last 10 to 15 years has been extraordinary. It’s a privilege to be given the chance to be part of that.”

He continued, “As soon as I arrive in Manchester after a break, I will be doing everything I can to establish myself in the City team. It’s a club built to win trophies and compete at the very top of the game. That is exciting for any footballer. I am so happy to have been given this opportunity, and I am determined to repay the faith City have shown in me.”

What has Man City sporting director Hugo Viana said about the completed deal?

Director of football, Hugo Viana added, “Elliot is one of the outstanding young midfield talents in world football right now. He offers energy, outstanding work rate and an exceptional range of passing. His improvement in recent years has been really impressive and underlines his desire to be the best player he can be.”

The Portuguese transfer boss continued, “At just 23, there is plenty of opportunity for development over the coming years and we feel he can become a complete midfielder.

“Manchester City is the best place for him to develop his game and keep improving, we are glad that he sees things the same way as we do.  

“I look forward to seeing Elliot working with us ahead of the new season. I’m sure every City fan is excited to see what he can do.”

What shirt number has Elliot Anderson selected at Man City?

Manchester City have not confirmed Elliot Anderson’s squad number, and much could yet depend on outgoings with his Nottingham Forest and England No.8 shirt currently occupied by fellow midfielder Mateo Kovacic.

Are there any clauses involved in the deal?

It is currently understood that the deal does not contain any add-ons or additional clauses, although the player’s contract is likely to include bonuses relating to his performances for the club.

When could Elliot Anderson make his Man City debut?

With the Englishman now set for three weeks off from duties following his FIFA World Cup exploits under Thomas Tuchel, Anderson is not expected to be involved against Inter, K-League All Stars or Atletico Madrid in Asia this summer.

As such, his debut for the club could come in the FA Community Shield against Premier League champions Arsenal in South Wales, with that clash due to take place on Sunday 16 August.

Are any further signings expected from Man City?

Manchester City are still expected to be busy during the ongoing summer transfer window, with the club understood to be in the market for a new right-back, central midfielder, and winger, while a back-up goalkeeper could also be brought in to replace James Trafford.

City have been linked with Chelsea’s Malo Gusto, Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, and RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande in those respective positions, whilst Hugo Viana re-signed former Academy goalkeeper Pierce Charles before sanctioning an immediate loan to QPR.