Man City move to sign Elliot Anderson depends on single key factor as contract runs down
Man City are weighing up a move for Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson in the summer transfer window.
Nottingham Forest ruled out Anderson’s exit in January, but transfer chiefs at the City Ground will be well aware of the interest in the midfielder.
The England international has been hugely impressive this season, and, barring injury, he will go and likely play at the World Cup.
Man United are very interested in Anderson, but their primary targets are subject to change amid the arrival of a new manager in the summer.
On the other hand, Man City have been identified as a clear contender for Anderson, as they look for a refresh in midfield.
Man City consider Elliot Anderson deal
Several other suitors will likely throw their hats in the ring for Anderson in the summer, such has the midfielder impressed.
Despite Nottingham Forest‘s struggles, the 23-year-old has been a consistent standout, winning duels and creating chances at will.
Newcastle United will feel particularly aggrieved by Anderson’s rise, after they agreed to sell him in 2024.
The midfielder came up through the academy to feature at St James’ Park, but the Magpies reluctantly agreed to sanction his £35million departure amid issues with the profit and sustainability rules.
Just two years later, Anderson could be set to make another move for a fee that could well reach £100m.
The Daily Mail reported on Wednesday that whether Man City make a move for the 23-year-old may depend on the circumstances surrounding Rodri.
The former Ballon d’Or winner has 18 months left on his deal at the Etihad Stadium, and is yet to return to the levels he showed before his ACL injury in 2024.
The stats that prove Anderson could replace Rodri
The period in which Rodri won the treble and the Ballon d’Or saw him put up levels that have arguably never been seen before from a defensive midfielder.
The Spaniard was the key cog for a Man City team that rarely ever lost, and when they did, it was usually because Rodri had been rested.
Obviously, Anderson has a long way to go before he can hope to hit such levels. Man City will be interested by the stats that the 23-year-old is already producing, however.
| Elliot Anderson | Premier League 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 22 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Chances created | 31 |
| Fouled | 53 |
| Recoveries | 185 |
| Duels won | 176 |
The England international records an extraordinary amount of recoveries, wins an absurd amount of duels, and earns a lot of free kicks as well.
On the ball, he is efficient and creative, creating a lot of chances from deep areas but knowing when to get forward, too – much like Rodri.
Pep Guardiola will be keeping a close eye on Anderson’s development over the course of the season, as he prepares for another huge summer.