Manchester City break club record to sign England midfielder Elliot Anderson for US$155m

MANCHESTER, England (AP): Manchester City confirmed yesterday that they had wrapped up the transfer of England midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, agreeing a reported £116 million (US$155 million) for his services.

That outlay sets a new club record, moving past the £100 million (US$139 million) City spent on Jack Grealish back in 2021, and it ranks among the largest transfers the Premier League has ever seen. Anderson, who is 23, has put pen to paper on a five-year deal.

“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,” Anderson said. “As a footballer, you want to test yourself at the highest level. Being at City means I have that opportunity.”

The purchase marks City's first headline arrival since celebrated manager Pep Guardiola walked away at the close of last season. The club is now opening a fresh chapter with ex-Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca at the helm.

“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,” said City director of football Hugo Viana. “His improvement in recent years has been really impressive and underlines his desire to be the best player he can be.

“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.”

Anderson came up through the ranks at Newcastle before switching to Forest in 2024, where his form earned him a call-up to the national side. He featured prominently in Thomas Tuchel's England group that claimed bronze at the World Cup.

“As soon as I arrive in Manchester after a break, I will be doing everything I can to establish myself in the City team,” he said. “It’s a club built to win trophies and compete at the very top of the game. That is exciting for any footballer.”

Elsewhere in the market, England forward Morgan Rogers sealed a switch to Chelsea earlier this week at a reported £117 million. The benchmark for British football remains Sweden striker Alexander Isak's £125 million (then US$170 million) transfer from Newcastle to Liverpool last year.