Why are Man City breaking the bank for Anderson?

Manchester City are ready to break their transfer record to sign Anderson from Nottingham Forest, with the midfielder expected to become the club's most expensive acquisition. The 23-year-old will exceed the £100m paid for Jack Grealish, having established himself as one of the Premier League's most complete central midfielders last season.

Anderson's statistics from the 2025-26 campaign are remarkable: he led the league in touches (3,300), duels won (298), possessions won (306), and fouls won (80). Among central midfielders, he topped the charts for passes completed (2,038) and line-breaking passes (376). His physical output was equally impressive, covering 411 km – second only to James Garner – and recording 1,895 high-intensity pressures.

The midfielder started 37 league matches, missing only one due to squad rotation before Forest's Europa League semi-final. His availability and consistent high-level performances were highly valued. Forest viewed him as a player with the potential to become a complete midfielder, and his commitment was praised, especially after the passing of his mother Helen in April.

Anderson's transfer comes as City enter a new era following Pep Guardiola's departure. Enzo Maresca has been officially appointed as head coach, having left Chelsea after winning the Club World Cup. Maresca's midfield system at Chelsea was based on aggressive ball recovery and quick forward play. Anderson's combination of defensive work rate, progressive passing, and creative output fits this philosophy perfectly.

He is expected to replace departed captain Bernardo Silva and partner Rodri in central midfield. However, with Rodri reportedly set for surgery after the World Cup, Anderson might play alongside a different partner – City are also interested in Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.

The fee is reported to be around £115m, putting Anderson on a par with Jude Bellingham, for whom Real Madrid paid Borussia Dortmund three years ago. This smashes Forest's previous record sale of Anthony Elanga to Newcastle for £55m. Anderson moved to Forest from Newcastle in 2024, making 94 appearances and scoring six goals.

Forest are looking to replace him with two players: a deep-lying midfielder and a number eight. Inter Milan's Davide Frattesi is an option, along with Tottenham's Lucas Bergvall, who is open to leaving for more playing time. Anderson is set to become the poster boy of City's new era under Maresca, and his numbers suggest the investment might prove wise.