Manchester City Eye Elliot Anderson As Key Summer Target Amid United Interest

‎As the 2025/26 season continues to unfold, Manchester City is not just focused on the present it is already planning for the future.

‎With the January transfer window approaching and key players nearing the end of their contracts or struggling with injuries, City’s hierarchy, led by sporting director Hugo Viana, is actively drawing up a list of potential summer signings.

‎One name at the top of that list is Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.

‎Anderson Emerges as a Top Priority

‎Reports from Sacha Tavolieri have highlighted that Elliot Anderson has already expressed a desire to move to the Etihad Stadium in the future.

‎Manchester City scouts, it seems, have been tracking Anderson closely this season, monitoring his performances on multiple occasions. The message is clear, the City sees Anderson as a key target for their midfield overhaul.

‎Competition for Anderson is expected to be fierce, with Premier League rivals Manchester United reportedly interested in the Nottingham Forest star.

‎However, according to Dean Jones of TeamTalk, City are confident they can fend off any challengers and secure Anderson next summer. Nottingham Forest themselves are reportedly determined to retain their prized asset during the January window, but next summer could see a different story.

‎Clubs such as Manchester City and Manchester United are expected to pursue him, with Forest likely demanding a fee between £80 million and £100 million for the midfielder.

‎Laying the Groundwork

‎City is not leaving anything to chance. Jones reports that the club is already laying the groundwork for a potential summer move.

‎The advantage they hold over United is both sporting and structural. City appear to have a ready-made role in their squad for Anderson, and the opportunity to compete for trophies under Pep Guardiola is something few clubs can match.

‎Why Anderson Fits City Perfectly

‎Elliot Anderson’s profile makes him an ideal candidate for Manchester City’s squad. He is aggressive, dominant in possession, and exceptional at winning the ball back traits that are highly valued in Guardiola’s system.

‎His physicality, tactical intelligence, and versatility in midfield mean he could replace Mateo Kovacic or Bernardo Silva, or even slot in alongside them as part of a refreshed midfield setup.

‎With Kovacic struggling with injuries this season and Bernardo Silva entering the final six months of his contract, City are aware that they may need to plan for departures.

‎Anderson could very well be the long-term solution to maintain the club’s midfield dominance.

‎Manchester City’s confidence in their pursuit of Elliot Anderson is understandable. From the club’s perspective, they hold multiple advantages, the chance to play under Guardiola, the opportunity to compete for silverware, and a clear pathway into the first team.

‎While United may offer top-flight competition, the combination of City’s structure and Anderson’s playing style makes the Etihad an ideal destination.

‎At this stage, it would be a major surprise if Manchester City did not move to sign Elliot Anderson in the summer of 2026.

‎All signs point to the England international becoming a key piece of Guardiola’s midfield puzzle, potentially shaping the future of City’s squad for years to come.