Elliot Anderson described Manchester City as the “kings of Manchester” after sealing his £116m transfer from Nottingham Forest.
The 23-year-old played a vital role in England’s third-place World Cup campaign, having featured in every league match for Forest last season. Until Morgan Rogers’ £117m move from Aston Villa to Chelsea on Tuesday, Anderson’s price had been the highest ever for a British footballer.
The midfielder is enjoying a three-week rest following his performances in North America, yet is already excited about lining up for City, highlighting the season’s first Manchester derby on 13 September as a major occasion. He might face a frosty welcome from the Old Trafford supporters after asserting City’s dominance.
“It’s among the greatest rivalries globally, and throughout my time knowing Manchester, City have been the rulers of Manchester,” Anderson said in a club interview. “It’s going to be a fantastic match and I’m eager to take part in it.”
“They are victors, they never give up, and that’s exactly the kind of side I want to join – a group of champions who collect silverware,” Anderson explained about his decision to move to City.
“They’ve been the leading force over the past decade or so, which is why I chose to come here. Everything has moved fast, but I always had faith I could reach this level, and this is exactly where I aspire to be. Now I’m here, I’ll keep striving to help this club progress.” Anderson’s ascent has been swift; he made his England debut only last September in a 2-0 win against Andorra.
Born on Tyneside, the player started out at Newcastle before moving to Forest for £35m in July 2024, and he is convinced his best is yet to come. “At just 23, I have lots of time to reach my peak, and I’m certain I haven’t gotten there yet,” he remarked.
The transfer was arranged three weeks earlier but was completed this week after the player came back from the World Cup. Anderson has committed until 2031, becoming City’s first significant acquisition since Enzo Maresca replaced Pep Guardiola at the helm. He is eager to collaborate with the Italian. “I’ve observed his sides in recent years and talked to a few Chelsea guys, and they all speak very highly of him,” Anderson said.
“I enjoy playing with high intensity, covering the field with energy and igniting the crowd. I believe that will be a positive.”
Kevin De Bruyne, who left City two years ago, is a role model for Anderson. “Coming through Newcastle’s academy, I’ve always aspired to play like him,” Anderson shared. “I watched him constantly, and to now be at the club he starred for is truly special.”
Anderson topped the Premier League charts last season for touches (3,300), duels won (297), and possession gains (306). “I feel I offer a mixture of attributes – quality, physical strength, and energy,” he said. “I hope to thrill the City fans, get them out of their seats, and inject dynamism into the side.”
Anderson had a half-season loan at Bristol Rovers in 2022, where fans dubbed him the “Geordie Maradona.” “They coined that nickname, and it just followed me everywhere,” he said. “It brings me joy and gives me a genuine confidence boost.”
Looking back at the World Cup, Anderson added: “It was a letdown, but I personally enjoyed it. The whole nation was behind us, and we performed brilliantly but just missed out. From my perspective, I felt I did quite well.”
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