By Francis Onyach - Reporter
U.K, June 26, 2026 - Manchester City have made a stunning statement in the transfer market by agreeing a club-record £116 million deal to sign England midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, eclipsing the £100 million they paid for Jack Grealish in 2021. The agreement marks one of the biggest transfers in football history and underlines City's determination to rebuild their midfield for a new era following the departure of long-serving manager Pep Guardiola.
The 23-year-old, currently representing England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, is expected to undergo a medical while on international duty before completing his move to the Etihad Stadium. Personal terms are not expected to present any obstacles, with Anderson having already made it clear that Manchester City is his preferred destination despite interest from Manchester United and several other elite clubs.
The transfer fee is understood to be a guaranteed £116 million, with City sources insisting the deal contains no add-ons or performance-related bonuses. That makes Anderson not only Manchester City's most expensive signing ever but also surpasses the £105 million Arsenal paid for Declan Rice in 2023, setting a new record for the highest guaranteed fee ever paid for a British player. Some reports have suggested the overall package could eventually be valued higher, but the agreed guaranteed figure remains £116 million.
The deal concludes weeks of intense negotiations between the two Premier League clubs. Nottingham Forest had initially rejected multiple bids from City, including offers worth around £80 million and another exceeding £120 million that relied partly on performance-related bonuses. Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis stood firm throughout negotiations, demanding a record-breaking guaranteed payment before agreeing to sell one of the club's most influential players. Eventually, Manchester City met Forest's valuation with a straight cash offer, paving the way for the transfer to be completed.
For Nottingham Forest, the agreement represents extraordinary business.
Anderson only joined the club from Newcastle United in 2024 in a deal worth approximately £35 million. In just two seasons, he established himself as one of the Premier League's finest all-around midfielders, helping Forest secure a seventh-place league finish and an impressive run to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals. During his time at the City Ground, he made 92 appearances, scoring six goals and providing 11 assists while developing into one of England's brightest talents.
His rapid rise has also been reflected on the international stage.
After making his England debut last year, Anderson has become a trusted member of Thomas Tuchel's squad and has started England's opening two World Cup matches against Croatia and Ghana. His composure on the ball, relentless work rate, defensive intelligence and ability to drive forward from midfield have made him one of the breakout stars of the tournament despite England's mixed performances so far.
Manchester City's pursuit of Anderson reflects a significant shift in their long-term planning.
Following Pep Guardiola's departure at the end of last season, City are entering a new chapter under incoming head coach Enzo Maresca. The club has prioritized refreshing its midfield, particularly amid uncertainty surrounding Ballon d'Or winner Rodri's long-term future and the departure of Bernardo Silva. Anderson is viewed as a player capable of anchoring City's midfield for years to come while offering the versatility to operate both as a deep-lying playmaker and a box-to-box midfielder.
More from Kenya
The financial scale of the transfer also highlights the continued inflation of the elite football market.
Only a handful of transfers in football history have exceeded the £100 million mark, with midfielders such as Declan Rice, Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández commanding enormous fees in recent years. Anderson now joins that exclusive list after less than three full seasons as a Premier League regular, reflecting both his outstanding development and the premium attached to young English internationals.
For Nottingham Forest supporters, Anderson's departure is bittersweet.
The midfielder became a fan favourite through his tireless displays and leadership despite his relatively short stay at the club. While replacing a player of his quality will be a major challenge, the enormous transfer fee provides Forest with significant resources to strengthen the squad ahead of another campaign that includes European football. Reports suggest the club has already begun identifying midfield replacements as preparations for life without Anderson gather pace.
For Manchester City, however, the message is unmistakable.
Despite entering a new managerial era, the Premier League giants remain determined to compete for every major trophy. By investing a record £116 million in one of England's brightest midfield talents, City have demonstrated their belief that Elliot Anderson can become the cornerstone of their next generation.
If the transfer is completed as expected following his medical and the finalisation of personal terms, Anderson will arrive at the Etihad carrying both enormous expectations and a place in Manchester City's history books. Whether he ultimately justifies the record-breaking price tag will be decided on the pitch, but one thing is already certain: the England international has become the most expensive signing the club has ever made, ushering in a new chapter for both player and club.