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Manchester City have made a decisive move to secure their midfield future by agreeing to a record-breaking British transfer for Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson. The England international is poised to become one of the highest-paid players at the Etihad Stadium as the club plans for the post-Pep Guardiola era.

A lucrative deal at the Etihad

Anderson is set to sign a highly rewarding five-year contract with Manchester City, underlining his importance to the club’s long-term vision. As per reports from The Athletic, the midfielder will earn around £300,000 per week, provided all performance-related bonuses are achieved during his tenure in Manchester. The deal also includes an option for the club to extend his stay by another year, keeping him with the Premier League champions until 2032.

This financial arrangement highlights City’s strong commitment to retaining top English talent to strengthen their midfield. With significant changes already taking place within the squad, the management is determined to hand the incoming leadership a world-class midfield setup.

Breaking the British transfer record

To bring Anderson to the Etihad, Manchester City have agreed to pay a fixed fee of £116 million ($153m), with no additional add-ons. This fee exceeds the £100 million paid for Jack Grealish in 2021, making Anderson the most expensive British footballer of all time.

Nottingham Forest proved to be tough negotiators throughout the summer transfer window. The Midlands club had earlier turned down a £106 million offer, holding out for a record-setting amount. Considering that Forest had signed Anderson from Newcastle United for just £35 million in 2023, this deal represents a remarkable profit and a smart piece of business for them.

Medical to take place during World Cup duty

Despite being away with the England squad, progress on the transfer continues swiftly. The Athletic further reports that Anderson has been permitted to complete his medical in New York on Friday while on international duty. The Three Lions are currently preparing for their World Cup group match against Panama at the MetLife Stadium, and Anderson will briefly step away from training to complete the final steps of his move to Manchester City.

Playing under Thomas Tuchel, Anderson has been a standout performer in the United States, starting both matches against Croatia and Ghana. His rapid rise has made him one of the most in-demand midfielders in Europe this transfer window. Manchester City acted quickly to secure his signature after Manchester United pulled out of the race due to escalating costs.

Building for the post-Guardiola era

Anderson’s arrival is part of a comprehensive rebuilding effort as City prepare for life after Pep Guardiola. With Bernardo Silva recently joining Real Madrid, the club urgently needed new creativity and energy in midfield. Anderson’s performance statistics from the 2025–26 season, where he featured in every Premier League match for Forest, indicate that he has both the endurance and the quality to handle the demands at City.

Reports also suggest that Manchester City are monitoring Sandro Tonali as part of a potential £200 million investment in their midfield. For now, however, Anderson remains their primary focus, with his official unveiling expected soon after England wrap up their World Cup campaign. By securing the most expensive British player in history, Manchester City have made a bold statement of intent about their ambition to maintain domestic supremacy in the years ahead.