Manchester City has finalized an agreement to sign midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for a fixed British record fee of £116 million, with no add-ons, on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
The deal delivers a major blow to cross-town rivals Manchester United, who had identified Anderson as their primary summer transfer target to strengthen their attacking department.
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The financial packages presented by Manchester City ultimately outpaced what Manchester United could match, with Anderson also secured to earn £300,000 per week at the Etihad Stadium.
Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney expressed his disappointment regarding the failed transfer while speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, though he noted that high-priced moves do not always succeed.
"He's a fantastic player," said Rooney, United's record goalscorer. The former forward highlighted the challenges that high-profile players sometimes face when adapting to expensive new environments.
"I'm gutted Manchester United didn't get him," Rooney added.
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He pointed to previous big-money transfers into Manchester City as examples of how difficult it can be to integrate into the squad.
"But we've seen it when players go for big-money moves – like Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealish to some extent – they [sometimes] don't fit in," Rooney added.
Aside from missing out on Anderson, Manchester United also recently withdrew from the pursuit of West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, according to sports.
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That withdrawal leaves Tottenham Hotspur with a clear path to sign the Portugal international for a guaranteed fee of £85 million.
