Manchester City are positioning themselves to launch a blockbuster move for England international Elliot Anderson, identifying the Nottingham Forest midfielder as a primary transfer target for 2026.
Guardiola's Midfield Priority
According to Mail Sport, City's hierarchy including director of football Hugo Viana and manager Pep Guardiola have become significant admirers of the 23-year-old talent. The club's scouts have been regularly attending Nottingham Forest matches to monitor Anderson's progress, with senior figures convinced he represents the ideal long-term midfield solution.
Forest will firmly reject any approach during the January transfer window, but the situation could change dramatically next summer ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Club sources indicate that offers approaching £100 million might persuade Forest to consider a sale, while Premier League rivals believe it would take at least £80 million to secure his signature.
January Plans and Strategic Thinking
City's immediate focus remains on strengthening wide areas, with Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo emerging as a £65 million consideration. The club is currently evaluating whether to pursue a powerful, direct winger like Semenyo or opt for a more technically gifted player similar to Phil Foden or Bernardo Silva.
However, Anderson's versatility provides particular appeal to City's planning. Capable of operating as both a defensive No.6 and advanced No.8, his adaptability addresses multiple strategic needs. This season, Rodri and Nico Gonzalez have shared defensive midfield duties, while Tijjani Reijnders has featured in more advanced roles.
City insiders now prefer Anderson to Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, whom they had previously monitored, indicating a significant shift in their transfer priorities.
Competition and Financial Realities
The battle for Anderson's signature promises to be fiercely competitive, with Manchester City aware that both Liverpool and Manchester United are expected to declare interest next year. Club officials believe a player destined to become an England regular for years to come represents an opportunity too significant to miss.
Any speculation about Anderson returning to Newcastle appears unrealistic given financial constraints. The Magpies were forced to sell him to Forest for £35 million in 2024 to avoid Profit and Sustainability Rules breaches, and the current £80-100 million valuation places him well beyond their reach.
Anderson's impressive club form has translated to international success, with the midfielder breaking into England's starting lineup this season. Since his September debut, he has earned six senior caps, with Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel offering glowing praise during the November international break.
"Anderson is a key player for us at the moment," Tuchel stated. "He is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League - that's why he is with us and starting for us. He deserves it because he has been nothing but impressive. He is a very complete and mobile midfielder, and that's what he keeps showing me."
The England manager's endorsement underscores Anderson's rapid development into one of English football's most coveted talents, setting the stage for a potential record-breaking transfer battle in 2026.
