Former coaches back £116m Anderson to thrive under Maresca at Manchester City

Manchester City have agreed a £116m deal to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, with the 23-year-old expected to complete his move after a medical in the coming days. Two figures who have worked closely with the midfielder are in little doubt he will flourish under Enzo Maresca.

Ange Postecoglou, who worked with Anderson at Forest last season, was effusive in his praise. “He’s outstanding,” the manager told ITV. “From the outside you know there’s a talented player but when you work with him on a daily basis you realise that he’s got two or three levels in him still. He’s very, very focused as a young player, he can probably play every midfield position in a three.”

Postecoglou also highlighted the discipline Anderson has shown since breaking into the England setup. “From the moment he got into the England set-up, he’s been really disciplined. Thomas Tuchel really trusts him and when you gain the trust of a manager, especially at international level… he’s definitely an Enzo Maresca player, he will love having him in that group.”

Former City captain Ilkay Gundogan, now at Galatasaray, was similarly impressed — though he was careful to frame Anderson’s value in terms of contribution rather than star power. “I think he has proven it, especially last season with Nottingham Forest,” Gundogan told ESPN. “He played an incredible season, he had some outstanding performances — also against City — and he had a quite impressive development over the years.”

Gundogan was candid about the nature of the signing. “I wouldn’t say he’s the big name. He’s someone that everyone knows but I don’t think that they’re signing him as a superstar, they are signing him as a team player. He’s expensive but this is the Premier League, where the best play.”

The German midfielder pointed to Anderson’s selfless qualities as the reason City supporters should be excited. “When you watch him play you feel like it is someone that sacrifices everything for the team and that’s what you want to have as a teammate.”

Anderson came through the Newcastle academy before establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most dynamic midfielders during a breakthrough campaign at Forest. At £116m, he represents one of City’s most significant investments in recent years as Maresca prepares to reshape the squad in his own image.