Man City’s Elliot Anderson transfer plan emerges after confirmed news
Elliot Anderson is attracting further attention from some of the Premier League’s top clubs following his great start to the 2025-26 campaign.
Elliot Anderson has been a key man throughout Nottingham Forest‘s recent upturn in fortunes since a £35million move from boyhood club Newcastle in July 2024.
He made 37 Premier League appearances last term, with two goals and six assists as they eventually finished in seventh place, and Forest were fearful they’d need to sell Anderson this summer amid PSR concerns.
The Reds have been able to keep hold of him for the campaign ahead, and he has improved even further, with Thomas Tuchel handing Anderson his England debut last month amid some more fine individual form at club level.
Football Insider recently revealed that Anderson is Man United’s top midfield target ahead of the January window, but they are not the only north-west based club interested in his services right now.
Man City want to sign Elliot Anderson before the 2026 World Cup
Sources have also told Football Insider that Newcastle will find it difficult to agree a deal for Anderson to return to Tyneside anytime soon as his outstanding performances are set to push his price tag even higher.
According to a new report from The Mirror (15 October), Man City are plotting a £75m move for Anderson, and they are expected to face strong competition for his signature from big-six rivals Chelsea.
They state that Pep Guardiola has kept close tabs on his progress and is a huge admirer of the 22-year-old’s talents, so he has now made him one of his main transfer targets if he wants to strengthen his midfield next summer.
Crucially, Citizens chiefs want to do a deal with Forest before the 2026 World Cup begins, if they do attempt to sign him, while Anderson would reportedly be keen to avoid going to the USA with speculation about his future still ongoing.
Pep Guardiola has spoke of his admiration of Anderson
The recent hype around Anderson’s performances has largely been born out of his impressive England showings, and it almost feels like a given that he will be on the plane to the World Cup despite only having four caps to his name right now.
It should come as little surprise to see City’s interest in his services now being reported, as they will have likely been watching him for a while considering his rapid rise from bit-part Newcastle youngster to Three Lions regular.
Citizens boss Guardiola actually praised Anderson back in March after Forest beat his side at the City Ground, saying: “Elliot Anderson is physical, and a top player as well,” so it’s clear that the 22-year-old has been in his thoughts since before the start of this season.
Anderson himself recently hinted at an admiration for one of City’s leading midfield stars, as he was tasked with building his perfect player by the England media team and chose Rodri for ‘footballing IQ.’
That certainly cannot be argued, and he may well jump at the chance to play alongside the Spaniard and under his compatriot, who is regarded as one of the best managers of all-time, next season.