Nottingham Forest is already lining up replacements for Elliot Anderson, and the irony is rich: they want to sign someone from the very club trying to poach him.
Forest has identified Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic as a primary target to fill the void that Anderson’s departure would create. The 23-year-old England international, who arrived from Newcastle United on July 1, 2024, for a reported fee of £35 million, has become one of the most sought-after midfielders in the Premier League.
The numbers behind Anderson’s expected exit
Manchester City is reportedly in advanced discussions to sign Anderson, with fees that could exceed £100 million. One report puts the guaranteed figure as high as £116 million, which would represent a staggering return on Forest’s initial £35 million investment from just two years ago.
Anderson is said to be confident about making the move to the Etihad. At 23, he represents the kind of long-term midfield investment that City has historically been willing to pay a premium for.
