Nottingham Forest F.C. is poised to announce the departure of star player Elliot Anderson to Manchester City, with the transfer now considered a ‘done deal.’ The club is set to demand a fee of £90 million for the England international, marking a significant transaction in the current transfer window. This move underscores Nottingham Forest’s ability to attract substantial offers for their key talents. The official announcement is eagerly anticipated by fans and analysts alike.

Manchester City appear to be on the verge of securing a major summer signing, as Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson is now viewed as a “done deal” by sources close to the situation. The 23-year-old England international demonstrated precisely why Pep Guardiola’s side are so eager to bring him in during Wednesday’s match at the Etihad, where he scored a brilliant equalizer to help Forest secure a valuable draw against the champions.

Although his goal harmed City’s Premier League title pursuit, it seems to have solidified his path to Manchester, with the club aiming to refresh their midfield options for the upcoming campaign.

This development deals a heavy blow to Manchester United, who had earmarked Anderson as a key target to bolster their engine room and phase out veterans like Casemiro. However, the arrival of new sporting director Hugo Viana has tilted the scales firmly toward City. The Portuguese executive reportedly identified Anderson as a top priority back in the previous summer and has driven a persistent chase for the dynamic, versatile midfielder who has impressed significantly in the Premier League this season.

Per insights from TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey, the foundations for this high-profile transfer have been building for some time. Bailey stated: “For several weeks now, from numerous sources, I am told that Anderson to City is a done deal. City have been on Anderson for months, since last year. I am told Hugo Viana picked him out last summer as one he wanted.” This forward-thinking strategy has positioned City ahead of the pack, leaving their Manchester rivals behind.

The transfer is anticipated to rank among the summer’s priciest, with Nottingham Forest said to be demanding around £90 million ($120 million). While neither club has issued official statements, reports indicate that the move is widely regarded as inevitable within football circles. Bailey noted that “Anderson knows where he will be playing next season and that will be the Etihad,” even if paperwork remains pending.

On the field, Anderson highlighted his quality by starring in Forest’s resilient display against his likely future club. Pep Guardiola expressed frustration after his team was twice pegged back by fine efforts from Morgan Gibbs-White and Anderson, with the latter’s 76th-minute goal standing out for its skill and poise—qualities that have made him one of the Premier League’s most coveted young English players.

The draw complicates City’s efforts to close the gap on league leaders Arsenal. When quizzed on areas for improvement, Guardiola kept it straightforward: “Score goals.” He added that his side showed plenty of positives overall but lamented conceding too much, while emphasizing he avoids singling out individuals. Despite creating chances in both halves, City couldn’t convert, and “something always happens” to prevent victory.

City now face a pivotal week that could shape their season. They first travel to Newcastle in the FA Cup this Saturday, before welcoming Real Madrid to the Etihad for a blockbuster Champions League tie midweek. With Arsenal pulling ahead in the title race, these back-to-back challenges represent a defining moment as Guardiola’s team seeks to sustain their success domestically and in Europe.