Elliot Anderson's expected £116m move to Manchester City is being sold by the people around his development as the reward for an all-in mentality. Stephen Harrison, his former Newcastle academy coach, said Anderson was "all-in" in every single session and every single game. He was forced into Newcastle's first-team picture after impressing on loan at Bristol Rovers in the second half of the 2021/22 season.

The path through Newcastle and Bristol Rovers

Harrison was not throwing around empty praise. "Did I think he would go to Manchester City for over £100m? Maybe not," he said, "but you could see he was on the right path." That route now runs through Nottingham Forest, where Anderson's stock has climbed fast enough for City to move at the kind of fee usually reserved for established stars.

Anderson's recent level also fits the move. His last five recorded matches produced an average rating of 7.0, with scores of 6.71, 7.2, 7.2, 9.0 and 7.6. He has also made 2 World Cup appearances, posted a 6.96 average rating at the tournament and contributed 1 goal there. For a player still being described as a work in progress, that is a pretty strong base.

City's view of Anderson's profile

The football case is not built around glamour. Ange Postecoglou said Anderson is "outstanding", has "two or three levels" left in him and can probably play every midfield position in a three. Ilkay Gundogan's read was similar, calling him a team player rather than a superstar and someone who sacrifices everything for the team. That is the profile City usually like, and it is hard to argue with the fit if they want midfield legs, focus and flexibility.

The move is still being described in different ways, though. Manchester Evening News reported a deal had been agreed and that Anderson was expected to complete it after a medical in the coming days. ChronicleLive said the medical should follow early next week, and also said reports it was due on Friday were wide of the mark. Either way, the end point is clear enough.

Newcastle's position is less comfortable. They reportedly did not agree a sell-on clause when Anderson moved to Forest in summer 2024, so they will not benefit from the next move. Forest get the fee, City get the midfielder, and Newcastle are left watching a player they helped develop move on for £116m.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →