England midfielder, Elliott Anderson, has described Manchester City as the “kings of Manchester” after completing his reported £116 million ($154 million) move from Nottingham Forest.
The 23-year-old finalised the club-record transfer this week after returning from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he established himself as a key player in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
Speaking after signing his contract, Anderson said joining City was an easy decision because of the club’s winning mentality.
“I’m over the moon. It’s one of the biggest clubs in the world. I can’t wait to play for this club. It’s a club built to win trophies and compete at the very top of the game. That is exciting for any footballer.
“I think they’re winners, they’re relentless, and that’s the sort of team I want to be a part of. Over the last 10, 12 years, they’ve dominated, so that’s why I wanted to join,” he said.
The midfielder is already looking ahead to his first Manchester derby when City visit Manchester United at Old Trafford on 13 September.
ALSO READ: Aston Villa sign Garnacho on loan from Chelsea
“It’s one of the biggest derbies in the world and for as long as I’ve known Manchester, City have been the kings of Manchester. It’ll be a great fixture and I can’t wait to be involved in something like that,” he said.
Anderson joined Nottingham Forest from Newcastle United in 2024 for £35 million, a transfer Newcastle manager Eddie Howe later described as “the most reluctant in my career” after the club sold one of its brightest academy graduates to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
He made 92 appearances for Forest, earning his first England call-up before playing a prominent role in the Three Lions’ third-place finish at the 2026 World Cup.
“I’m only 23, so I’ve got plenty of time to get to my best levels,” Anderson said. “I’m definitely not there yet and there’s more to come from me.
“I think I bring a bit of everything. I bring quality, I bring physicality, energy. I’d like to think I’d get the fans excited, get them off their feet and bring energy to the team.”
