Manchester City have officially completed a £116m transfer of midfielder, Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
Both clubs had agreed the transfer deal earlier this month whilst Anderson was on international duty with England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which saw the Three Lions finish third overall.
Anderson has signed a five-year contract at City until June 2031 with an option to extend for a further season until June 2031.
The 23-year-old penned a farewell message to Forest fans on X on Tuesday (21 July) thanking them for their support across his two seasons at the City Ground following his move from Newcastle, during which he scored six goals in 92 appearances for the Tricky Trees.
“Forest family,
“Firstly I am so grateful for the love and support you have shown me over the last 2 years especially towards the end of this season. From the minute I walked through the door i fell in love with this club.
“I want to thank all the staff and players for welcoming me and making my time here so enjoyable, this club gave me the opportunity to grow as a player and a person.
“Bringing the club European football again after 29 years is what all of you fans deserved and to be a helping hand in that is so special.
“Nottingham forest will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you for all the unforgettable memories.”
Forest family,
Firstly I am so grateful for the love and support you have shown me over the last 2 years especially towards the end of this season. From the minute I walked through the door i fell in love with this club.
I want to thank all the staff and players for welcoming… pic.twitter.com/ycW28mNATI
— Elliot Anderson (@elljanderson) July 21, 2026
Following confirmation of his transfer to City being completed, Anderson spoke of his pride at making the move and is keen to maximise his potential at the Etihad Stadium.
“City are one of the biggest clubs in the world and the squad they have is amazing – so strong in every position. As soon as I knew they wanted me, I was absolutely determined to make this move happen.
“As a footballer, you want to test yourself at the highest level. Being at City means I have that opportunity.
“From the outside looking in, City are a club that treats its players well and provides the perfect environment to excel. The success they have had and the way they have played the game in the last 10 to 15 years has been extraordinary. It’s a privilege to be given the chance to be part of that.
“As soon as I arrive in Manchester after a break, I will be doing everything I can to establish myself in the City team.
“It’s a club built to win trophies and compete at the very top of the game. That is exciting for any footballer.
“I am so happy to have been given this opportunity, and I am determined to repay the faith City have shown in me.”
City’s Director of Football, Hugo Viana added that Anderson will add energy, work rate and pass variety to the team and has potential to grow further.
“Elliot is one of the outstanding young midfield talents in world football right now.
“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. Manchester City is the best place for him to develop his game and keep improving, we are glad that he sees things the same way as we do.
“I look forward to seeing Elliot working with us ahead of the new season. I’m sure every City fan is excited to see what he can do.”
Anderson began his career at Wallsend Boys Club before he joined Newcastle where he graduated through their academy to make his senior debut in January 2021 in a FA Cup Third-Round exit at Arsenal.
He then spent the second half of 2021-22 season on loan at Bristol Rovers where he scored seven goals in 21 appearances, before he returned to Newcastle and cemented himself a spot in the first team for two seasons, which ultimately saw him make 55 appearances for the Magpies.
Anderson has made 17 senior international appearances in total since he made his debut in September 2025 in a 2-0 victory over Andorra in England’s successful 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying campaign.
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