Elliot Anderson explains decision to snub Manchester United for Manchester City move

When two Manchester clubs come calling, you’d think the decision would be agonizing. For Elliot Anderson, it apparently wasn’t.

The 24-year-old midfielder has opened up about why he chose Manchester City over Manchester United in a transfer that cost City a staggering £116 million, roughly $155 million. Anderson completed his move from Nottingham Forest on July 23, signing a five-year contract with an option for an additional year, and wages that could reach £300K per week including bonuses.

A tale of two Manchesters

Manchester United expressed interest in Anderson before the deal was finalized. Anderson’s candid explanation of why he turned them down: he considers City the premier footballing force in Manchester.

United’s reluctance to match Forest’s asking price, initially pegged at around £120 million, reportedly played a role in their withdrawal from the race. City negotiated the fee down to £116 million and got their man. For context, that figure briefly made Anderson the most expensive British player in history, though the record has since been surpassed.

Anderson pointed to City’s winning culture and relentless pursuit of success as the decisive factors.

From Newcastle academy to record-breaking transfer

Anderson joined Nottingham Forest for £35 million in July 2024. Two years later, he left for more than three times that price.

His performances at Forest earned him a place in England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, where the team finished third. The transfer was initiated weeks before it was officially completed, with negotiations running in the background while Anderson was representing his country. He returned from World Cup duty and finalized the deal shortly after.

For Nottingham Forest, they bought a talented young midfielder, developed him into an international star, and sold him at a profit of roughly £81 million.

What Enzo Maresca gets

City manager Enzo Maresca identified midfield reinforcement as a priority. At 24, Anderson is entering what should be his peak years, and a contract running through 2031, potentially 2032 with the extension clause, gives City a long runway.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.