Manchester City Leads Race for Elliot Anderson
Manchester City are currently leading the competition to sign Elliot Anderson, with the Nottingham Forest midfielder reportedly favoring a transfer to the Etihad Stadium over a move to rivals Manchester United.
There is increasing anticipation that Anderson will depart the City Ground this summer. Manchester United have shown reluctance to overpay or engage in prolonged negotiations for the 23-year-old.
As of now, no agreement has been reached between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City, with the two clubs significantly differing on Anderson's valuation. This means the situation remains fluid and could still evolve.
The potential transfer fee could set a new record for a British player, surpassing the £105 million Arsenal paid West Ham for Declan Rice in 2023.
Within Nottingham Forest, there is a prevailing belief that if a major sale occurs this summer, it will involve Anderson. A strong performance at the upcoming World Cup with England would enhance Forest's negotiating position.
Forest Manager Comments on Anderson's Future
Following Nottingham Forest's 1-1 draw with Bournemouth on Sunday, Forest manager Vitor Pereira praised Anderson and teammate Morgan Gibbs-White, stating they deserve "the top of the world."
"I believe if we want to compete for different goals, we need to keep the best players," said Pereira.
"If not, if you change every season, it is difficult to be consistent and difficult to build something stronger.
We cannot control the market, of course, but I think we are aligned; what I think and what the club thinks is to try to keep most of them and to try to control the market."
Pereira expressed a preference to retain both Anderson and Gibbs-White, but acknowledged that Anderson is currently the more likely to leave, especially considering Nottingham Forest will not participate in European football next season after finishing 16th in the Premier League.
Anderson's Career and Recent Performances
Anderson, who earned seven England caps after making his senior debut this season and was part of the England squad that won the 2025 European U21 Championship last summer, joined Nottingham Forest from Newcastle in 2024 for £35 million. Since then, he has made 92 appearances and scored six goals for Forest.
Sunday's match against Bournemouth marked Anderson's 50th appearance of the season. Upon being substituted in the second half, he received a standing ovation from the fans.
