Elliot Anderson emerges as future City transfer target

Elliot Anderson to Manchester City?

It has been reported that Manchester City are planning a £75m swoop for Nottingham Forest's rising star.

Author | Macca

City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to face strong competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea for the midfielder's signature. Guardiola has been closely monitoring Anderson's development and has become a keen admirer of the England international.

Reports in the Mirror and Express suggest Anderson has emerged as one of Guardiola's main transfer targets if he chooses to strengthen his midfield next summer. Nico Gonzalez has struggled to establish himself at the Etihad, while questions remain over Rodri's long-term future at the club.

The Ballon d'Or winner is also being watched by Real Madrid and could be tempted by a move to Spain should he fail to agree a new contract with City.

Anderson is unlikely to be short of suitors next summer, with Chelsea similarly interested in securing his services at Stamford Bridge.

The midfielder joined Nottingham Forest from Newcastle in a £35m deal in 2024 and has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s brightest young talents. His progress earned recognition from Thomas Tuchel, who handed him his first England call-up in August.

Since then, the 22-year-old has made three international appearances and cemented his place in Tuchel’s squad. He is expected to be included in England’s final squad for the World Cup in North America next summer.

Elliot Anderson ran the show once again for England against Latvia:

🥇 Most passes completed (121)
🥇 Most chances created (2)
🥇 Most tackles (2)
🥇 Most fouls won (2)
🥇 Most duels won (7) pic.twitter.com/bMty2Ot5p2

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 14, 2025

Agreeing a deal before the World Cup

Should Anderson return from the tournament having impressed on football’s biggest stage, his value is expected to rise sharply.

If City decide to pursue the midfielder, the club’s management would likely aim to finalise a deal with Forest before the tournament begins. Meanwhile, Anderson is thought to prefer entering the World Cup with clarity over his future.

Anderson's career so far

After coming through the academy at Newcastle United, he played 44 league games for their first team before making the move to Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2024. Anderson played a huge part in Forest qualifying for European competition for the first time since the mid 1990s.