Elliot Anderson has expressed his determination to make his move to Manchester City a reality following the club’s confirmation of his signing on a five-year deal.

The 23-year-old midfielder, who joins from Nottingham Forest, has signed a contract that extends until June 2031.

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First agreed when he was playing for England at the World Cup, the deal initially positioned Anderson to be recognized as the most expensive player in British history, although this record has since been surpassed by Morgan Rogers’ £117m transfer from Aston Villa to Chelsea.

Anderson stated there was no hesitation in seizing the chance to join “one of the biggest clubs in the world.” He commented, “As soon as I knew [City] wanted me, I was absolutely determined to make this move happen.”

He emphasized the importance of competing at the highest level, stating, “Being at City means I have that opportunity. As soon as I arrive in Manchester after a break, I will be doing everything I can to establish myself in the City team.”

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After moving to Forest from Newcastle United in 2024 for £35m, Anderson became a key player, helping the club secure a seventh-place finish in the Premier League and qualify for European competition for the first time in three decades.

Last season, he played an essential role in guiding Forest to the Europa League semi-finals and led the Premier League in touches and duels won. Additionally, he was a pivotal figure in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, participating in every match during the World Cup.

City agreed to pay a club record fee for Anderson that surpasses the £100m spent on Jack Grealish in 2021, overcoming competition from Manchester United in the process.

Discussions regarding Anderson’s future took place during the World Cup, culminating in an agreement between Forest and City on the eve of England’s Group L game against Panama.

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He will be joining a squad led by former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, who took over in June after Pep Guardiola stepped down as City manager after a decade in charge.

Anderson remarked, “They’re winners, they’re relentless, and that’s the sort of team I want to be a part of – champions and people who win trophies. Over the last 10, 12 years, they’ve dominated, so that’s why I wanted to join.”

City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, praised Anderson as “one of the outstanding young midfield talents in the world.” He added, “He offers energy, outstanding work rate and an exceptional range of passing. His improvement in recent years has been really impressive and underlines his desire to be the best player he can be.”

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Viana also noted, “At just 23, there is plenty of opportunity for development over the coming years and we feel he can become a complete midfielder.”