Manchester City are contemplating withdrawing from the proposed transfer of England midfielder Elliot Anderson after Nottingham Forest rejected a second bid worth £120 million. The offer, which included £100 million upfront and £20 million in performance-related add-ons, was turned down by Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, who insists on the full fee being paid immediately.
City's Stance
City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak has no intention of engaging in a bidding war for the 23-year-old. He believes the offer is fair for a player who still has much to prove and has not yet played in the Champions League. This stance mirrors Al-Mubarak's previous approach, such as when Liverpool signed Virgil van Dijk in 2018 after City walked away from negotiations.
If completed, the deal would make Anderson the most expensive English player in history, surpassing Jude Bellingham (£115m to Real Madrid) and Declan Rice (£105m to Arsenal).
Anderson's Desire
Anderson, currently on World Cup duty with England, has openly expressed his preference for joining City over Manchester United and Chelsea. He moved to Forest from Newcastle for £35 million in 2024 and has since become one of the Premier League's most exciting young talents.
Incoming City manager Enzo Maresca is eager to strengthen his midfield after Bernardo Silva's departure, and Anderson is seen as a long-term successor to Rodri, who has been linked with a return to Spain.
Tuchel's Comments
England manager Thomas Tuchel has dismissed concerns about Anderson's focus being affected by the transfer saga. After a 3-0 win over Costa Rica, Tuchel said: "He's a top player, the full package. The bid? No comment! He seems unaffected. It was an amazing performance. I won't speak to him about it. It should push him because it's proof of what he's capable of."
Tuchel added: "Even if a transfer is completed, hopefully he stays the same person. Nothing will change overnight. He's a humble, determined, hungry football player. I hope it boosts his confidence."
Anderson is expected to start against Croatia in the World Cup next week.
