“Man City sees second £120m bid for Elliot Anderson rejected.”

The Manchester City saw its second astronomical offer, valued at 140 million euros, summarily rejected by the Nottingham Forest, which remains steadfast in its intention to retain English midfielder Elliot Anderson. The rejection, which caught many by surprise, reinforces the standoff between the English champions and the Nottingham club, in one of the hottest transfer sagas of this window.

City made an initial offer of 124 million euros, plus bonuses based on objectives, in a clear attempt to surpass the record set by Declan Rice, who was transferred from West Ham to Arsenal in 2023 for 122 million. Anderson, 23, an English international and a key player for Forest last season, has become a priority target for the Citizens following the imminent departure of Bernardo Silva, whose contract expires at the end of this season. The midfielder, who has preferred a move to the Etihad from the outset over a transfer to Manchester United, is said to have already reached a salary agreement with City, but Forest remains adamant, refusing to negotiate below the release clause.

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The interest from Manchester United quickly faded after they realized that Anderson was not even considering a move to Old Trafford. The Red Devils opted not to enter a bidding war, limiting themselves to players who are genuinely motivated to wear the club’s jersey. This decision left City in a privileged position, but despite this, Nottingham Forest continues to hold on to its most valuable asset, at least until a new bid comes in.

The relevance of this impasse is enormous for the English market: if City manages to finalize the signing, Anderson will immediately become the most expensive English player in history, surpassing Declan Rice. Nottingham Forest, for its part, is demonstrating ambition and negotiating prowess, establishing itself as a top selling club in an increasingly money-driven Premier League. Anderson, who joined Forest from Newcastle at the beginning of 2024 for €41 million, stood out throughout the season with 92 appearances and six goals, playing a crucial role in reaching the semi-finals of the Europa League and maintaining their status in the top tier of English football, even in a chaotic season marked by the succession of four managers.

Anderson himself does not hide his desire to fulfill the dream of playing for City. After the friendly match in preparation for the World Cup, where he started in the 3-0 victory against Costa Rica, the midfielder stated: “My focus is completely on the national team, but of course when a club like Manchester City shows interest, it’s impossible to remain indifferent.” The statement was made in the mixed zone, still digesting the impact of a victory that precedes England’s debut against Croatia on June 17. The Forest’s assistant coach, Paul Williams, also reacted to the situation, emphasizing the importance of the player: “Elliot is an exemplary professional and we want him to stay with us, but we understand the temptation of a project like that of Manchester City.”

Meanwhile, City already has alternatives lined up. Sandro Tonali, the Italian international midfielder from Newcastle, is also noted as a long-term target, on a list that is becoming increasingly restricted due to the quality and profile demanded by Pep Guardiola. However, the citizens are not giving up on Anderson and are expected to return with a new proposal, potentially even higher, in the coming days.

With the World Cup about to kick off and Anderson preparing to be a standout figure for the England national team, the outcome of this saga keeps the entire Premier League in suspense. If City can win this negotiation battle, it will not only strengthen its midfield with one of the most promising talents in English football but also send a clear message to its rivals: the financial and sporting dominance of the citizens is here to stay. For Forest, a potential sale could represent a revolution in the squad and a new financial boost, but the sporting loss will be hard to replace. All signs point to a dramatic end to the transfer market marked by intense negotiations, with Elliot Anderson at the center of the biggest financial showdown of the English summer.

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