He is not one of the most famous players on the planet and yet, Elliot Anderson is preparing to become one of the most expensive in the history of football. At 23, the midfielder has just left Nottingham Forest for €150m and joined Manchester City. After Neymar (€220 million), Kylian Mbappé (€180 million) and Alexander Isak (€145 million), he is the subject of the 4th largest transfer fee of all time, and even the 2nd in the history of the Premier League, shortly following the €145 million paid last year by Liverpool for Alexander Isak.
“Manchester City and Nottingham Forest have reached an agreement regarding the transfer of Elliot Anderson. Anderson, 23, is currently playing in the FIFA World Cup with England and completed his medical in Kansas. The formalities related to this transfer will be finalized upon his return to England. In the meantime, everyone at Manchester City wishes Elliot and the England squad good luck on their World Cup journey, and we look forward to welcoming him to Manchester in due course”, the Cityzens have just made official. Anderson took advantage of a moment of respite with the England team to undergo his medical examination in the United States. He is, for the moment, the most expensive recruit in this summer transfer window, all countries combined.
His career will take a turn
The midfielder, however, does not have that much experience. He is certainly a starter with Thomas Tuchel within the Three Lions during this World Cup (11 caps), but he has “only” 150 professional matches between Newcastle, where he began his career, and Nottingham Forest, where he exploded. For example, he barely experienced the Champions League (2 small appearances). This season, and despite the Reds’ difficult exercise ending in 16th place, Anderson held the house in his 38 games for 4 goals and 4 assists.
His box-to-box profile has attracted the best teams in England. Manchester United quickly checked his name, just like the Magpies, who must be biting their fingers at having sold him for €40 million two years ago. The Premier League’s Financial Fair Play left them little choice at the time. Ultimately, it was Manchester City who were able to prove themselves the most convincing. After two first offers refused, the future club coached by Enzo Maresca complied with the demands of its interlocutor. Elliot Anderson is suddenly thrown into full light.
