Elliot Anderson's £116 million record move to Manchester City will not be completed until after England's next World Cup match, as manager Thomas Tuchel has intervened to ensure the midfielder remains focused on the tournament.
Tuchel's Stance on Mid-Tournament Transfers
Thomas Tuchel has made it clear that he does not want distractions on match days or the day before a game, as England prepare to face Panama in their final Group match on Saturday. The England boss is likely to allow Anderson to undergo a medical while at the World Cup, but only after the Panama fixture.
Tuchel said: “There has to be common sense I would say, I would not like it on a -1 and a match day. That's the policy. And everything else, if it is quietly done, privately done, done efficiently, we are always happy to help to have clarity around the player.”
Record-Breaking Fee for British Player
The transfer fee of £116 million is a record for a British player and will also break Manchester City's transfer record. Anderson is set to sign a five-year deal with a one-year extension. Nottingham Forest midfielder Anderson was a target for both Manchester City and Manchester United, but the blue side won the race after the former Newcastle midfielder made his preferred destination clear.
Anderson's Focus on World Cup
It is understood that Anderson told Tuchel of his preferred destination and assured him that the transfer talk would not be a distraction during the World Cup. England teammate Jarell Quansah backed Anderson's focus, saying: “I see a player that’s fully focused on what he wants, and I think at the moment what he wants is to win a World Cup. That ultimately is the goal.”
Medical Arrangements and Team Support
Tuchel also indicated that the FA's medical staff could assist with the medical, stating: “The doctor is ready to take any medical if needed.” However, the medical will not take place on match days or the day before, ensuring Anderson remains fully focused on England's campaign.
