Manchester City shatter club record with £116m signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest

Manchester City have broken their club transfer record by signing midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a straight £116million deal, the club confirmed on Thursday.

Anderson, 23, becomes City’s most expensive signing in their history, surpassing the previous club record as Pep Guardiola’s side continue to reshape their squad. The fee eclipses what City have paid for any single player before.

The England international will not link up with his new club immediately. Anderson is currently on international duty with the Three Lions at the World Cup, where England face Mexico in the last-16 this weekend. City have agreed to give him four weeks off following the tournament before he reports for pre-season.

That timeline makes it unlikely Anderson will travel with City on their summer tour to Asia, where their first fixture is scheduled for August 1 against Inter Milan. His debut in sky blue could instead come in the Community Shield against Arsenal on Sunday, August 16, should he be fit and available after his post-tournament break.

Anderson came through the Newcastle United academy before joining Nottingham Forest, where he established himself as one of the Premier League’s most dynamic central midfielders. His energy, pressing, and ability to carry the ball from deep made him a standout performer and drew interest from several of Europe’s top clubs before City moved decisively to secure his signature.

The deal underlines City’s intent to remain competitive at the summit of English and European football despite the squad transitions of recent seasons. Anderson’s arrival gives Guardiola a high-energy option in the centre of the park as City look to reclaim the Premier League title.