- Elliot Anderson not far off signing for Man City
- Makes his preference clear amid United interest
- Citizens firmly positioned in driving seat
Manchester City have taken a big step towards signing Elliot Anderson this summer, but there is still work to be done.
Bernardo Silva is preparing for his final match in a Man City shirt, and then he is off to go on a new adventure.
The captain is leaving a big gap at the heart of City’s midfield, so plenty of work has gone in to find a suitable replacement.
It has long been thought that Elliot Anderson could join Manchester City, with negotiations ongoing for some time.
And now, the club have moved past a significant milestone in getting Anderson to make the Etihad Stadium his new home.
Man City agree personal terms to sign Elliot Anderson
Nicolo Schira has reported that Man City have an agreement in principle with Anderson which will see him sign a five-year contract, keeping him there until 2031.
However, the Sky Blues still need to agree a transfer fee with Nottingham Forest, which could prove tricky.
🚨 Excl. – Agreement in principle between #ManchesterCity and Elliot #Anderson for a contract until 2031. #MCFC are now working to reach an agreement with #NottinghamForest to sign the midfielder. #transfers https://t.co/kg5DOwfzwC
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) May 22, 2026
After all, Evangelos Marinakis has shown himself to play hardball, and in some cases, he refuses to sell his players entirely. Morgan Gibbs-White’s failed move to Tottenham certainly comes to mind.
There is no official confirmation on how much Forest will demand for their star player, but the rumours are that it could be anything between £65m and £120m.
Anderson only wants a Man City move
Ever since this saga began, Man City have always been battling Man United to sign Anderson, but the former have looked the more likely team to secure their transfer target.
Indeed, one Red Devils supporter made an appeal for Anderson to sign for United when he was walking outside Old Trafford after their recent victory over Forest.
Asking Elliot Anderson to sign for Manchester United!#elliotanderson #manchesterunited #theeyetest #nottinghamforest #oldttafford pic.twitter.com/LPtgyFMJI1
— Theeyetest (@TheEyeTest_1) May 17, 2026
Anderson let out a smirk, and now it would seem it is because he is already preparing to join their rivals instead.
Signing Anderson would be brilliant for City
The England squad announcement is fast approaching and based on the leaks, Man City do not have any non-defenders going to the World Cup.
This would change with Anderson, who of course would be another useful homegrown talent added to the team.
The 23-year-old should have a few years before he reaches his prime, and his box-to-box qualities could prove to be very important.
Replacing Silva with an identical player is simply not possible, but Anderson is not a million miles away from the Portuguese legend.
City just need to make sure that they get a deal agreed with Forest, as that now appears to be the only potential stumbling block.
