Elliot Anderson hails City as ‘kings of Manchester’ after £116m Forest transfer | Manchester City
Elliot Anderson has described Manchester City as “the kings of Manchester” after completing his £116m move to the club from Nottingham Forest.
The 23-year-old was a key part of England’s third-place finish at the World Cup, as he was a constant presence for Forest in the Premier League last season. Before Morgan Rogers’ £117m transfer to Chelsea from Aston Villa on Tuesday, Anderson’s fee was the record for a British player.
The player is taking a three-week break following his success in North America but is clearly relishing the opportunity to play for City, picking the first Manchester derby of the new season on September 13 as a highlight. He could stand a chance of a warm welcome from the Old Trafford faithful considering City’s top form.
“It is one of the biggest derbies in the world and since I have known Manchester for a long time, City have been the kings of Manchester,” Anderson said in an interview with the City website. “It’s going to be a great game and I can’t wait to be involved in something like that.”
“They are winners, they don’t give up, and that’s the kind of team I want to be a part of – champions and people who win trophies,” Anderson said of his reason for signing for City. “In the last 10, 12 years, they were in power, that’s why I wanted to join.
“It happened so quickly, but I think I’ve always believed that I could get to this point and that’s where I want to be. Now that I’m here, I’m going to keep pushing and try to take this club forward.”
Anderson’s development has been rapid, with his England debut coming as recently as last September, in a 2-0 win over Andorra. The Tyneside-born player, who started his career at Newcastle before joining Forest for £35m in July 2024, believes there is more to come. “I’m only twenty-three years old, so I have a lot of time to reach my best and I don’t think I’m there yet,” she said.
Anderson has signed a contract until 2031 with City and is their first signing since Enzo Maresca replaced Pep Guardiola as manager. He enjoys working under the Italian. “I’ve watched his teams over the last few years and spoken to a few of the Chelsea guys and they all rate him highly,” Anderson said. “I like to be intense when I play and use a lot of energy on the field and get the fans going. So, I think that will be good.”
Kevin De Bruyne, who left City two summers ago, is an idol. “Growing up at the academy in Newcastle, I always wanted to play like him,” said Anderson. “I’ve been watching him all the time and to be here in the team he’s been doing for is very special.”
Anderson led the Premier League last season in most touches (3,300), most duels won (297) and wins (306). “I think I bring a little bit of everything. I bring quality, physicality, strength,” he said. “I’d like to think I’ll get them [fans] I’m happy, get them off their feet and bring energy to the team.”
Anderson spent half a season on loan at Bristol Rovers in 2022 and is known as “Geordie Maradona” among supporters. “They started that and it stuck everywhere I went,” she said. It makes me happy and it really gives me confidence.
Reflecting on the World Cup, Anderson added: “It was disappointing, but I personally liked it.
