Elliot Anderson has officially joined Manchester City from Nottingham Forest in a deal valued at £116 million, the club confirmed. The 23-year-old midfielder completed a medical at the World Cup training base in Kansas City and will finalize his move after returning from the tournament. A City statement emphasized the agreement, stating Anderson will "join the squad in due course." This transfer marks him as the most expensive British player ever, eclipsing Declan Rice's £105m fee to Arsenal in 2023.

Anderson, who has made 92 appearances for Forest since joining from Newcastle in 2024, is currently competing in the FIFA World Cup with England. His move follows reports of City’s interest in another midfielder, 18-year-old Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouaddi. The fee underscores City’s aggressive pursuit of talent despite their World Cup campaign. Forest’s decision to part with their star midfielder highlights the financial stakes in Anderson’s career trajectory.

The £116 million price tag reflects Anderson’s potential to bolster City’s midfield depth. While he joins a squad already stacked with talent, his versatility and energy could address specific tactical needs. This transfer also signals City’s readiness to spend heavily amid a competitive transfer market. For Anderson, the move represents a career-defining step, though his World Cup participation may delay immediate integration. Forest’s sale of their key player raises questions about their summer plans, but the financial gain is clear. This deal cements Anderson’s status as one of English football’s most sought-after talents.