Anderson Signs with Manchester City for £116 Million, Becoming the Most Expensive British Footballer

June 18, Kathmandu – Manchester City has agreed to sign Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million, making him the most expensive British footballer in history. The club has announced that formalities will be completed soon. This transfer breaks the previous record of £105 million set in 2023 when Arsenal signed Declan Rice. The 23-year-old Anderson had joined Nottingham Forest two years ago from Newcastle United for £33.5 million.

In a short span, Anderson has established himself as the team’s key midfielder and delivered outstanding performances during the 2025–26 season. Under Thomas Tuchel’s coaching, he was also a starter in all World Cup matches. In the previous Premier League season, Anderson touched the ball 3,300 times, making him the player with the highest ball participation. He won 298 duels, reclaimed possession 306 times, and earned 80 fouls, leading the league in all three categories.

His impact in passing was equally remarkable. He completed 2,038 successful passes—the highest among central midfielders—and executed 376 line-breaking passes that disrupted opposing defenses and significantly contributed to his team’s attacks. Physically, Anderson was impressive as well, covering 411 kilometers over the season—the second highest in the league—and ranking second among midfielders with 1,895 high-intensity pressings. He started in 37 of the 38 league matches.

Offensively, he scored four goals, provided four assists, created 54 chances, and produced nine ‘big chances.’ With an expected assist rate of 4.8, Anderson was among Nottingham Forest’s most creative players.

Previously, the most expensive signing made by Manchester City was Jack Grealish, who was signed for £100 million. Anderson has now surpassed that record as well.