Why Elliot Anderson has chosen the right Manchester club

Suraj Radia

• 5 Mar 2026 17:08 GMT
• 5 min read

Analysis

Elliot Anderson will be one of the most in-demand stars for a big money transfer this summer, with both Manchester United and Man City circling, and the Nottingham Forest wonderkid may have already found his perfect destination.

Anderson showed City what he was capable of by putting a dagger to their title hopes with a drilled equaliser from 20 yards out for Forest on Wednesday at the Etihad Stadium.

Current ETV

Elliot Anderson

M, DM (C)

N. Forest

Elliot Anderson

M, DM (C)

N. Forest

€47.7M

ETV Range

€42.9M - €52.4M

View full profile

The goal was just Anderson’s second of the season but the 23-year-old passed his audition for Pep Guardiola with flying colours and a move to City has been reported as a ‘done deal’ by some.

Forest are expected to demand a fee in excess of €80 million for Anderson but the price could rise even higher if the midfielder goes on to star for Thomas Tuchel’s England squad at the 2026 World Cup.

There could also be a bidding war for Anderson’s signature, with United putting him at the top of their shortlist to strengthen in midfield, while the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool have also considered moves.

However, Anderson appears to have made his decision and it is one that could see the youngster continue his development into one of the finest talents in world football under Guardiola.

Why Man City and Guardiola will turn Anderson into world class star

Anderson has come on leaps and bounds since joining Forest from Newcastle for €41m in a bargain deal that took advantage of the Magpies’ PSR struggles.

Having largely been used as a ‘gap filler’ across Newcastle’s midfield, Anderson carved out a niche in Forest’s team as a lynchpin capable of contributing to all phases of play.

Indeed, the England international tracks among the top stats for chances created, touches, tackles and distance covered, which has demonstrated his all-round game to top sides.

And, according to SciSports, who use data-driven analytics to assess a player, there is no better club for Anderson to join than City, largely due to the level that he could develop to in their world class squad.

City are eyeing long-term successors to Rodri, who has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid after entering the final 18 months of his contract, while doubts also remain over Bernardo Silva’s long-term future.

Anderson could feasibly slot into City’s midfield for the future and add to their young, home-grown contingent, while also having the attributes of growing into a star if Guardiola remains at the club.

The Spanish coach has overseen the development of world class stars such as Sergio Busquets, Kevin de Bruyne and Philip Lahm – all different archtypes who he moulded into talents that won an array of silverware for club and country.

While United and City’s other rivals will not give up on a pursuit of Anderson, a move to the blue side of Manchester represents the best option for the player to continue his trajectory as a Premier League star and an elite midfielder

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