Tuchel's glowing Anderson verdict clears path for Man City's summer move

Manchester City are pressing ahead with a move to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson this summer, with England manager Thomas Tuchel publicly endorsing the player’s character and quality after City’s bid became public knowledge during the international break.

Anderson, currently with the England squad ahead of their World Cup opener against Croatia, has been identified by City as a long-term replacement for Bernardo Silva. Tuchel’s comments, made after England’s 3-0 warm-up win over Costa Rica, amounted to an unprompted character reference for the player City are targeting.

“He’s a top player. There’s nothing more to say, he’s the full package,” Tuchel said when asked about Anderson’s links to the Etihad. The England manager added that Anderson had shown no signs of distraction despite the transfer speculation swirling around him. “What I see on the training pitch is no distractions, full commitment — that’s what comes from him.”

Tuchel declined to comment on the specifics of any bid but suggested the interest should serve as validation rather than disruption. “It should push him because it’s proof of what he’s capable of and what level he can perform,” he said. “Even if a transfer is completed, hopefully he stays the same person — a humble, determined, hungry football player.”

The emphasis on mentality is a thread that runs through City’s recent recruitment. Manager Pep Guardiola, who left the club at the end of last season, consistently prioritised character alongside ability when assessing transfer targets. His praise for January arrivals Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi — the latter described as “an incredible signing” for his focus and professionalism — illustrated the standard the club set for new arrivals.

With Guardiola now gone, City’s pursuit of Anderson suggests the club intends to maintain that culture under new leadership. Tuchel’s assessment that Anderson is “very level-headed” and capable of handling high-pressure environments aligns closely with the profile City have sought in the transfer market in recent years.

Anderson has established himself as one of the Premier League’s more dynamic central midfielders since joining Nottingham Forest, and his inclusion in the England squad for the World Cup underlines the rapid trajectory of his development. City will be hoping to conclude a deal before the tournament concludes.