Elliot Anderson Joins Manchester City, Reflects on His Journey and Inspirations
The footballer recruited for a record £116 million to bolster Manchester City’s future drew inspiration from the club’s storied past. Elliot Anderson, who recently transferred, described City as “the kings of Manchester,” a statement that resonated with fans and added competitive tension with rival Manchester United.
“There is always an option,” said Anderson regarding his decision to join City. “You’ve got a big decision to make and I’m confident I’ve made the right one.” He cited memories of Sergio Aguero’s iconic 94th-minute title-winning goal during the 2011-2012 season, stating, “I was probably eight or nine when Aguero scored that goal. I’ve been watching City for the past 10 years.”
Anderson has taken on the No 5 shirt formerly worn by John Stones, and aims to fill the shoes of City’s midfield linchpins. He remarked, “Kevin De Bruyne was always the player I look up to over the last 10 years. I loved watching him. To be here at the same club and playing where he played is special.”
He expressed admiration for Rodri, calling him one of the best midfielders globally, and recognizes the pressure on him should City lose the Spain captain. He noted the possibility of forming the foundation for a new era should Rodri move on to Barcelona, who have already had a bid rejected for him.
Identifying himself as a versatile midfielder, Anderson said he aims to adapt within the squad. “I think I can do various things within midfield and I’ll see where I get used. I’ll play anywhere to be honest,” he shared. “Creating things, driving forward or the other role if they ask me to do that.”
The new manager, Enzo Maresca, has discussed expectations with Anderson, emphasizing the importance of high energy and effective game control. Anderson’s recent performance at Nottingham Forest showcased his abilities, which ultimately led to his record-setting transfer. He acknowledged the moniker of “the £116m man” that will follow him and stated, “As long as I focus on myself and my performances, that’s all I can do.”
Anderson also had notable experiences from his past season, including scoring a crucial equalizer against City while at Forest. Unbeknownst to him, City was preparing to sign him until shortly before the World Cup, a move he found thrilling despite Pep Guardiola’s exit.
While in the U.S., City finalized the transfer, and shortly after he encountered his new teammate, Erling Haaland, during a World Cup match. Their playful exchange further helped Anderson adjust to his new surroundings.
Reflecting on his fast-rising career, Anderson noted, “I take huge confidence knowing that I can perform on a World Cup stage.” Having transitioned from a novice in international football to becoming one of the most expensive players, he sees his time at City as an opportunity for ongoing growth.
“It’s really hard,” he said of reconciling his mixed feelings following the World Cup semi-final knockout against Argentina. “There are highs and lows in football.” Anderson’s journey has undeniably leaned towards the positives, and as he chases greatness with City, the whispers of Aguero and De Bruyne’s legacies echo in his ambitions.
The footballer hired at a colossal cost to be Manchester City‘s future began by drawing from their past. Elliot Anderson can be a man of few words but it was notable that, when he joined City for £116m, he called his new club “the kings of Manchester”. It was a phrase that endeared him to their fans, and came with a further sting to another of his suitors: Manchester United.
“There is always an option,” said Anderson. “You’ve got a big decision to make and I’m confident I’ve made the right one.” But then, in his life of watching and playing football, City live up to that description. It suggests their recent golden age has given them a legacy. “I was probably eight or nine when Aguero scored that goal,” said Anderson, citing Sergio Aguero’s 94th-minute title-winning strike on the last day of the 2011-2012 season. “I’ve been watching City for the past 10 years.”
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Their modern-day greats have left an impression on him. Anderson has taken the No 5 shirt that used to belong to John Stones. He is more of a replacement, however, for their midfield maestros. “[Kevin] De Bruyne was always the player I look up to over the last 10 years,” he said. “I loved watching him. To be here at the same club and playing where he played is special.”
Elliot Anderson has admitted to being inspired by Kevin De Bruyne (Getty)
Whether Anderson takes on the sort of duties De Bruyne used to have depends in part on a potential sidekick. He described Rodri as one of the best midfielders in the world; given the Spaniard’s status as a Ballon d’Or and World Cup Golden Ball winner, that may have been an understatement. With Barcelona having had one bid rejected for the Spain captain and the probability they will return with a second, Anderson may instead have to form the basis of life after Rodri.
Elliot Anderson spent two years at Nottingham Forest (PA Wire)
He describes himself as an all-rounder of a midfielder, but thinks he shares some characteristics with Rodri. “I think so,” he said. “I can be. I can do various things within midfield and I’ll see where I get used. I’ll play anywhere to be honest. Creating things, driving forward or the other role if they ask me to do that.”
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If part of that rests with Enzo Maresca, the new manager has briefed Anderson about the requirements. “We’ve spoken a few times,” he added. “He explained the sort of things that I need to do. There is a lot of running, a lot of energy. It’s to try and control games. That is what I can do.”
It is what he did at Nottingham Forest, earning him a move that, briefly, made him the most expensive British player ever. He accepts that he will be known as the £116m man. “It always will be [attached],” he said. “As long as I focus on myself and my performances, that’s all I can do.” It may help that Chelsea then made Morgan Rogers the £117m man. “It’s football, isn’t it? I’m good friends with Morgan, I’m delighted he got the move that he wanted,” Anderson said.
Elliot Anderson and Morgan Rogers both made big-money moves this summer (Getty)
His own move came with a couple of interesting footnotes. A superbly-taken equaliser for Forest at the Etihad in March dented City’s title challenge; then, he insisted, he was unaware of their interest, only discovering just before the World Cup. He was undeterred by Pep Guardiola’s departure.
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City agreed a fee with Forest while Anderson was in the United States. Some nine days later, he found himself jostling with a new teammate. Erling Haaland wrestled Anderson to the ground, in the referee’s view, and a Norway goal in the World Cup quarter-final was disallowed. The striker disagreed with the decision. The midfielder has nevertheless had an introduction to the top scorer’s sense of humour. “He has been calling me a diver, hasn’t he?” he smiled. “It was funny. He has been really good and has helped me settle in.”
Elliot Anderson clashed with new colleague Erling Haaland at the World Cup (Getty)
Which probably helps, given the whirlwind speed at which his career has accelerated. A year ago, Anderson had never played senior international football. Now he is the fifth most expensive player ever and has played a key role in taking England to officially their best World Cup finish on foreign soil.
“I take huge confidence knowing that I can perform on a World Cup stage,” said Anderson. He is speaking four weeks to the day since his chances of winning the 2026 tournament ended in the semi-final against Argentina.
Elliot Anderson’s first World Cup left him with mixed feelings (Getty)
“It’s really hard,” he said. “I’m still sort of struggling with that now. There are highs and lows in football.” Anderson’s year has featured far more footballing highs. But as his memories of Aguero and De Bruyne indicate, joining City gives him more peaks to scale.
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