City breaks transfer record with 1.5 billion for Anderson
City writes history: 1.5 billion for British midfielder
Manchester City break their own transfer record and pay £116m for Elliot Anderson - the most expensive British player ever. The deal could also affect Nottingham Forest's pursuit of Lucas Bergvall.
5 billion kroner) for national team midfielder Elliot Anderson. The deal means City now own the most expensive British player ever, and the transfer could be completed as soon as Anderson returns to England after the World Cup. The £116m price tag is a hefty rise from City's previous record of £105m for Jack Grealish in 2021.
5bn, marking a new peak in British football. The transfer is carried out on the condition that Anderson passes the medical examination and that both clubs approve the details. The deal puts immediate pressure on Premier League spending and could have far-reaching implications for the market.
Nottingham Forest, already planning to redeploy revenue to sign Lucas Bergvall from Tottenham, now risk seeing their budget affected by the competition for top players. Bergvall's potential move to Forest could also be delayed or reassessed depending on how much Nottingham are forced to pay to balance their finances. City's record purchase underlines the club's ambition to dominate both nationally and internationally.
With Anderson in the team, the midfield is further strengthened, while the club shows that they are willing to pay top price to achieve their goals. The transition is not yet official, but is expected to take place shortly. The deal also reflects the accelerating inflation that has hit British football in recent years.
Since 2020, transfer fees for British players have increased by over 60%, driven by increased competition from foreign leagues and clubs' desire to secure domestic talent. City's purchase can thus be seen as part of a wider trend of Premier League clubs competing to keep and attract players who previously stayed in the country. Nottingham Forest's CEO has yet to comment on how the deal affects the club's plans for Bergvall, but reports from *The Athletic* and *Sky Sports* indicate that negotiations are at a critical stage.
If Anderson is cleared for City, it could quickly change the game plan for several other clubs in the Premier League, including Tottenham who may now reassess Bergvall's value. The British football transfer market has undergone a fundamental change over the past five years. Previously the Premier League was dominant in attracting and retaining British talent, but now clubs are competing with European giants such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and PSG for players previously considered too expensive to offload.
City's record signing is a clear sign of that trend continuing, with British clubs now prepared to pay premium prices to secure their own talent before it ends up in foreign hands. At the same time, Nottingham Forest risks ending up in a difficult position. The club have already spent large sums on securing their place in the Premier League, and a possible move for Bergvall would require further investment.
If Forest cannot match the prices now being set by City and other top clubs, it could see Bergvall stay in London or even end up in another European league. That, in turn, could affect Forest's sporting ambitions in the short term. The deal also shows how quickly the transfer window can change.
In the space of a few days, a single big deal can create a chain reaction affecting multiple clubs and players. For Tottenham, this means that they must quickly decide whether to accept Foresta's bid or whether to try to keep Bergvall to strengthen their own team. For other clubs trying to sign British talent, it may become even more difficult to compete, as City have now set a new benchmark for what a British player is worth.
What's next: The transfer of Elliot Anderson is expected to be completed within the next few weeks, provided the medical and contract details fall into place. Nottingham Forest must quickly reassess their budget to determine if Lucas Bergvall is still a priority, or if the club needs to look for alternative solutions. Meanwhile, City continue to build their squad for the future with further potential recruitments underway.
Tottenham may also need to act quickly to replace the possible loss of Bergvall, which could lead to unexpected transfers in the upcoming window. Read at Sydsvenskan Sport
Why this matters
City's record £116m move for Elliot Anderson is more than just an expensive deal - it sets a new standard for British football and sends a clear signal to the entire Premier League. The deal shows that City are not backing down from paying top prices to strengthen the squad, while creating uncertainty for rivals such as Nottingham Forest. If Bergvall is not ready, Forest may be forced to redistribute their resources, which may affect the dynamics of the entire transfer window. The record is also a reminder of how quickly the market changes, where a single deal can change the conditions for several clubs in a short time. In addition, the purchase illustrates how inflation and global competition are driving up prices for homegrown talent, risking making British football even more dependent on outside investment to keep pace. At the same time, smaller clubs risk finding themselves at a disadvantage where they can no longer compete for the best British talent, which could change the balance of power in the Premier League in the long run.
Frequently asked
Why did Manchester City pay £116m for Elliot Anderson?
City's record signing aims to strengthen the midfield for the coming seasons. Anderson is seen as a key player with the potential to contribute both domestically and internationally, and the club are willing to pay top price to secure his services.
How does the deal affect Nottingham Forest's plans for Lucas Bergvall?
Nottingham Forest had planned to redeploy revenue to sign Bergvall, but City's record purchase could force the club to reassess their budget. If a lot of money has already been spent on Anderson, Bergvall's move may be more difficult to implement.
What does the new record mean for British football?
City's £116 million is the highest ever paid for a British player. It beats the previous record of £105m for Jack Grealish in 2021 and marks a new Premier League high.
When is the transfer for Elliot Anderson expected to be completed?
The deal could be completed when Anderson returns to England after the World Cup. The medical and contract details must also be approved before the transfer becomes official.
Will Nottingham Forest be able to sign Lucas Bergvall despite City's record signing?
It is uncertain. Forest must reallocate their resources and decide if Bergvall is still a priority. If the club is forced to prioritize other expenses, Bergvall's move may be delayed or reassessed.
How does City's purchase affect other UK players?
The deal could create a domino effect with other British talent receiving higher valuations. Clubs previously wary of paying top prices for domestic players may now be forced to match prices to retain their own talent.
