Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest on a five-year contract, with the deal worth £116 million and running until June 2031.

The 23-year-old midfielder becomes a club-record signing for City, surpassing the £100 million paid for Jack Grealish in 2021. Anderson narrowly missed out on being the most expensive player in British football history after Morgan Rogers' subsequent £117 million transfer from Aston Villa to Chelsea edged him into second place.

Anderson wasted no time declaring his ambition after the move was confirmed. "As soon as I knew [City] wanted me, I was absolutely determined to make this move happen," he said. "You want to test yourself at the highest level. Being at City means I have that opportunity."

A deal struck during the World Cup

Negotiations between Forest and City were ongoing throughout England's World Cup campaign, with an agreement reached on the eve of England's Group L fixture against Panama — while Anderson was representing Thomas Tuchel's side in the tournament.

Anderson featured in every England game at the World Cup, underlining his standing as one of the most influential midfielders in the country. He also headed off competition from rivals Manchester United, who had also expressed interest.

From Newcastle to Forest to City

Anderson arrived at Nottingham Forest from Newcastle United in 2024 for £35 million and quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the squad. He was instrumental as Forest finished seventh in the Premier League and secured European football for the first time in 30 years.

Last season, he helped the club reach the UEFA Europa League semi-finals and led the entire Premier League in both touches and duels won — figures that underscored his tireless influence across the pitch.

Viana backs Anderson to become complete midfielder

Manchester City director of football Hugo Viana praised the new signing effusively, describing Anderson as "one of the outstanding young midfield talents in the world."

"He offers energy, outstanding work rate and an exceptional range of passing. His improvement in recent years has been really impressive and underlines his desire to be the best player he can be. At just 23, there is plenty of opportunity for development over the coming years and we feel he can become a complete midfielder," Viana said.

Anderson will link up with a City squad now led by Enzo Maresca, the former Chelsea head coach who took charge in June following Pep Guardiola's departure after a decade at the helm.