Manchester City has reportedly made contact with Elliot Anderson’s representatives, as Pep Guardiola looks to beat rivals Manchester United to the signing of the Nottingham Forest sensation in a deal that could exceed £100 million.
The 23-year-old midfielder has become the focal point of a massive transfer tug-of-war. While Manchester United had identified Anderson as a priority for their summer rebuild, City has moved aggressively to position themselves as the frontrunners. According to TEAMtalk, City’s hierarchy has already initiated talks with the player’s camp to outline a multi-million-pound project at the Etihad Stadium.
The ‘Rodri Factor’: Why Guardiola Wants Anderson
Pep Guardiola reportedly views the Nottingham Forest star as a versatile tactical fit for his system. With Rodri facing recurring injury concerns throughout the 2025/26 season, City is desperate for a player who can operate both as a deep-lying playmaker and a creative box-to-box midfielder.
Anderson’s stats this season justify the hype:
- Appearances: 26 matches (24 starts).
- Workload: 2,229 minutes across the Premier League and Europa League.
- Versatility: His ability to dictate play under pressure has also caught the attention of Bayern Munich and Chelsea.
The Price of a Star: A £100m Ultimatum
Nottingham Forest has been firm in its stance: Elliot Anderson is not for sale in January. With his contract running until June 2029, the “Tricky Trees” are in a strong negotiating position.
Sources suggest that Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis will demand a fee between £80 million and £100 million (€120m / R$ 723 million) to even consider a sale in the summer. For Manchester City, this would represent one of the most expensive domestic transfers in English history, rivaling the deal for Jack Grealish.
Manchester United’s Worrying Silence
At Old Trafford, the news of City’s contact has caused significant concern. The United board, currently navigating a managerial transition, risks losing one of the most gifted English midfielders of his generation to their “noisy neighbors.” Reports indicate that Anderson is personally “intrigued” by the prospect of playing under Guardiola and competing for the Champions League title.
