Elliot Anderson declares Manchester City "kings of Manchester" after completing £116m move from Nottingham Forest

Manchester City have officially completed the signing of England midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a deal worth £116 million, with the 23-year-old wasting no time in sending a pointed message to rivals Manchester United.

The highly-rated midfielder has signed a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, with the option of an additional 12 months, ending weeks of speculation over his future after helping England secure third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Dream move finally completed

Although the agreement between the clubs was reached earlier this month, the transfer was only finalized after Anderson returned from international duty.

Speaking in his first interview as a Manchester City player, Anderson admitted he was thrilled to join what he described as "one of the biggest clubs in the world."

"I can't wait to play for this club," he said. "It's built to win trophies and compete at the highest level. They're relentless winners, and that's exactly the environment I want to be part of."

"City are the kings of Manchester"

The England international also ignited excitement ahead of this season's Manchester derby with a bold statement aimed directly at City's local rivals.

"It's one of the biggest derbies in world football," Anderson said. "For as long as I've known Manchester, City have been the kings of Manchester."

The comments are particularly notable given that Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing Anderson earlier this summer before City won the race for his signature.

The first Manchester derby of the new Premier League season is scheduled for September 13 at Old Trafford, where Anderson could make his debut in one of football's fiercest rivalries.

A remarkable rise

Anderson's journey to the Premier League champions has been rapid.

A product of Newcastle United's academy, he made 55 senior appearances for his boyhood club before enjoying a successful loan spell at Bristol Rovers, where supporters affectionately nicknamed him the "Geordie Maradona."

Two years ago, Nottingham Forest invested around £35 million to bring him to the City Ground. Since then, he has developed into one of the Premier League's standout midfielders, making 92 appearances and earning his first England call-up under Thomas Tuchel.

His performances have now secured one of the biggest transfers in Premier League history.

Still believes his best is ahead

Despite becoming a £116 million player, Anderson insists he has plenty of room to improve.

"I'm only 23," he explained. "I'm definitely not at my best level yet, and there's much more to come from me."

Describing his style, the midfielder said he offers "quality, physicality and energy," adding that he hopes to excite Manchester City supporters every time he steps onto the pitch.

Inspired by Kevin De Bruyne

Anderson also revealed the player who influenced him most growing up.

Former City captain Kevin De Bruyne has long been his footballing idol, and joining the club where the Belgian became a legend makes the move even more meaningful.

"I've looked up to Kevin De Bruyne for the last seven or eight years," Anderson said. "I've always wanted to play like him. To now be at the club where he achieved so much is incredibly special."

City back their newest midfield star

Manchester City's director of football Hugo Viana described Anderson as one of the brightest young midfielders in world football.

"Elliot is one of the outstanding young midfield talents in the game today," Viana said. "We believe he has all the qualities to become a complete midfielder."

Anderson will enjoy a short summer break before linking up with new City manager Enzo Maresca ahead of pre-season preparations.

Another sign of football's transfer inflation

Anderson's £116 million move is the latest example of the Premier League's rapidly escalating transfer market.

Once considered extraordinary, £100 million transfers have become increasingly common following Jack Grealish's landmark move to Manchester City in 2021.

Recent deals involving Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Morgan Rogers, Sandro Tonali and now Elliot Anderson have pushed the average cost of elite Premier League signings to unprecedented levels, underlining the financial power of England's top clubs and the growing value placed on world-class young talent.