Man City Ready to Battle Man Utd for £100 Million Superstar in Transfer War
Manchester City are reportedly preparing a substantial effort to secure Nottingham Forest's midfielder Elliot Anderson, potentially beating Manchester United in the transfer race.
Anderson has transformed from a relatively obscure player during his Newcastle United tenure into one of Europe's most sought-after young midfield talents. He has featured in all 12 Premier League matches for Forest this campaign and looks destined to earn England selection for the 2026 World Cup.
United were previously considered among the leading contenders for Anderson's signature. However, it seems their local rivals have now joined the pursuit of the highly-rated defensive midfielder.
Reports from the Daily Mail suggest that Pep Guardiola's team are planning to make Anderson a key target for the 2026–27 transfer window. City's scouting network has been monitoring Forest fixtures this season to evaluate the 23-year-old's performances more closely.
With Liverpool and Newcastle also expressing interest, a competitive transfer battle seems imminent, with expectations that approximately £100 million ($132.3 million) will be required to lure Anderson from The City Ground.
Elliot Anderson Could Complete Man City's Midfield Rebuild
It appears likely that City will explore the central midfield market next summer, with Anderson potentially viewed as an ideal replacement for Rodri in the engine room.
The Spanish international has faced fitness challenges following an ACL injury that prematurely concluded his 2024–25 campaign, and questions remain about whether he can return to the form that earned him the 2024 Ballon d'Or.
Nico González has shown inconsistent performances since arriving at City in the January window, but with both Rodri and Mateo Kovačić frequently unavailable due to injuries, he has shouldered most of the defensive midfield responsibilities this term.
Anderson offers flexibility as both a defensive midfielder and a dynamic box-to-box player. City would acquire a adaptable midfield option with enormous potential considering his youth. While Adam Wharton was previously connected with a potential Etihad Stadium move, reports indicate Anderson ranks higher on the club's target list.
City recruited midfield duo Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders during the summer window. There appears to be a deliberate strategy to introduce younger players to a squad that seemed to stagnate last season despite capturing six Premier League crowns in seven campaigns.
While it may require considerable financial investment, securing Anderson could finalize City's midfield overhaul, ensuring that department remains strong for years ahead. Additionally, outmaneuvering their fierce city competitors for one of their primary targets would add extra satisfaction to the deal.