Anderson becomes most expensive British player in history after £116m move to Man City

Abdullateef Fowewe

Manchester City confirmed on Thursday the signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for a reported £116 million, a fee that makes the 23-year-old England midfielder the most expensive British player ever.

City’s purchase eclipses the previous British transfer peak set by Jude Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid and caps a frantic market for homegrown midfield talent.

City’s statement described Anderson as a “versatile, dynamic midfielder with a high ceiling,” while Nottingham Forest said the deal represented “a landmark transaction” for the club.

Anderson, who has broken into the England squad over the past 18 months, will join a midfield already rich in international experience.

Rankings produced alongside the announcement position Anderson above the prior record-holders:
• Elliot Anderson — £116m, Nottingham Forest → Manchester City (2026)
• Jude Bellingham — £115m, Borussia Dortmund → Real Madrid (2023)
• Declan Rice — £105m, West Ham United → Arsenal (2023)

At 23, Anderson’s transfer highlights two notable trends: the escalating fees clubs are willing to pay for Premier League developed midfielders, and how add-ons and market inflation continue to push nominal record figures higher.