Manchester City and Hugo Viana Eye €150M Deal to Snatch Star from Vítor Pereira

Manchester City is reportedly closing in on a deal for Elliot Anderson, a transfer that could make history in British football.

According to English press, the Citizens are set to hold further talks with Nottingham Forest within the next 24 hours, aiming to finalize the acquisition of the England international midfielder, who is currently representing the Three Lions at the 2026 World Cup.

Forest has already rejected two bids and continues to demand a financial package close to €150 million. This figure would surpass the €105 million Arsenal paid for Declan Rice, currently the most expensive British player ever. If completed at this price, it would also be the most expensive signing ever by an English club (and the third largest in history), exceeding the €145 million Liverpool paid Newcastle for Isak last season.

Anderson, 23, is considered a priority for City, who are preparing for a significant squad overhaul following Pep Guardiola's departure. The midfielder fits the profile sought by Enzo Maresca, tipped as Guardiola's successor, and is seen as a central piece in the midfield reconstruction, especially with Bernardo Silva having already left the club.

Despite interest from Manchester United, the player has been identified for several months as a primary target for the Citizens. The structure led by Hugo Viana believes Anderson possesses the ideal characteristics to play a crucial role in the club's new era.

Signed by Nottingham Forest from Newcastle two seasons ago, in a deal that also involved the transfer of former Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos to St. James’ Park, Anderson quickly established himself as one of the Premier League's most highly-rated midfielders. A potential sale would represent a significant profit for Vítor Pereira's Forest.