Manchester City has finalized a deal with Nottingham Forest to acquire midfielder Elliot Anderson for a record fee of £116 million, marking a significant milestone for the club.

Medical Ahead of Move

The 23-year-old England international is scheduled to undergo a medical examination before officially joining City at the Etihad Stadium. While City sources confirm the fee stands at £116 million without any additional bonuses, other reports suggest the total value could rise to £130 million, potentially setting a new British record. This would surpass the £125 million that Liverpool paid Newcastle for striker Alexander Isak last summer.

Forest's Transfer Strategy

Nottingham Forest had previously rejected two offers from City, holding out for a higher transfer fee for Anderson. However, personal terms are expected to be settled without complications, and there was optimism that an agreement would eventually be reached following City’s third bid. In light of Anderson's departure, Forest is reportedly looking to strengthen their midfield by pursuing Tottenham's Lucas Bergvall and Davide Frattesi from Inter Milan.

Anderson's Focus on the Present

As he prepares for England's final Group L match against Panama in the World Cup, Anderson has emphasized his commitment to focusing on his current responsibilities. "It's pretty easy really, I'm just focusing on the present, I'm blocking it all out," he stated. Anderson joined Forest from Newcastle for £35 million in 2024 and has since made 88 appearances, scoring four goals. He played a crucial role in helping Forest achieve a seventh-place finish in the Premier League during the 2024-25 season and reach the Europa League semi-finals the following year.

Having started his career at Newcastle, where he joined at the age of eight, Anderson made his first-team debut in 2021. He became a regular starter at Forest and transitioned from a Scotland youth international to representing England at the under-21 level in August 2024, before making his senior debut in September 2025. His influence on the pitch has been notable, as he led the Premier League in touches, possession wins, duels, and fouls drawn during the 2025-26 season.